Travelling wave ion guides (TWIGs) separate of ions according to their mobility and, atconstant charge, according to their shape. The ion mobility separation itself shouldnot modify the shape of the systems investigated. It was recently suggested byShvartsburg et al. that the higher fields used in TWIGs than in traditionaldrift tubes would cause significant heating of the ions. We present a quantitativeanalysis of the amount of internal energy imparted to ions as they are separatedin TWIGs. Benzylpyridinium ions were chosen as �thermometer� ions. Based onarrival time distributions, the fragment ion population is separated as afunction of the place of formation: before, in, or after the TWIG. Fragmentationall along the TWIG was observed. The roles of the travelling wave's voltage,speed, and of the gas nature and pressure will be discussed in detail as wellof the consequences on instruments performances.

Internal energy content of ions in a travelling wave ion guide

240th National Meeting (2010)

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