5. Conclusion

The ion trap offers many possibilities. Because it behaves like an integrating device, it offers greater sensitivity than beam devices of the same resolution. It is small in size and can be fully controlled by a computer, making it remarkably adaptable. Its moderate cost, given its performance, makes it an increasingly popular tool for analysis. However, it does have its limitations: difficulties in creating negative ions, limitations on the energy that can be transferred during collisional activation. The most important limitation stems from possible reactions during confinement between the ions and the reactive gas, leading to the observation of parasitic peaks (self chemical ionization). One remedy is to introduce the reactive gas at the right moment, using pulsed valves.