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Electron microscopy has harnessed the power of physics to allow us to see beyond the limits imposed by visible light. In this article, we explore how electron microscopy works, some of the common techniques and applications and ways the field continues to push the boundaries.

In this article, we take a look at the fundamentals of mass spectrometry, how it works, variations that can be used at each stage of the process and how they can be combined to suit different sample types or analytical questions.

Mass spectrometry (MS) plays a vital role in many aspects of our lives, from diagnosing illness and detecting food contaminants to fighting fraud. In order for a sample to be analyzed by MS, it must however, first be ionized. There are a number of ways of achieving sample ionization depending on the sample type, target analyte and desired workflow. In this article, we consider some common ionization techniques and sample types for which they are best suited.

At the heart of any mass spectrometer is the mass analyzer. This component takes the ionized masses and separates them based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). In this article, we consider some of the common types of mass analyzers, their advantages and disadvantages.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a flexible chemical analysis method that can be tailored to meet the demands of a wide variety of industries.