Empower Tip: QDa MS Data in Empower

When working with QDa MS data in Empower, it is easy to collect and process data. Get started by asking a few questions:

Is the QDa the only detector in the configuration of your HPLC or is it connected in series with another detector such as a PDA?

Did you collect 2D data, 3D data, or both from the QDa?

In this tip, we start with the basic assumptions; the QDa is the only detector on the HPLC, and we have collected both 2D and 3D data. Now, where do we start?

Let’s see how it’s done!

The instrument Method shows we collected both 2D data and 3D data. The SIR (Single Ion Recording) channels are single mass, analogous to collecting single wavelengths with a PDA detector. The Scan collects data over a mass range, analogous to collecting data over a wavelength range with a PDA detector.

We bring the SIR channels into Review and integrate the peaks. We see the Base Peak value which is the mass to charge (m/z) ratio. We can create a Processing Method to include quantitative analysis, system suitability, and so forth (just as we would for any 2D chromatographic data).

We bring the Scan into Review and extract a TIC Plot (Total Ion Chromatogram) by selecting it from the Extract Choices drop-down menu.

The TIC Plot represents the sum of all ion intensities for each data point across the collected mass range. Once we integrate the chromatogram, we see the Base Peak value for each peak. We also see the mass spectrum from the apex of each peak in the Spectrum Review window. We could create a Processing Method and similar to creating a Processing Method for 3D PDA data, there are processing tools that we can take advantage of. We will explore these tools in upcoming tips.

In the upper toolbar, on the right side, there is a 3D Plot tool that allows us to view the 3D data. Alternatively, you can access the 3D Plot from the Window menu.

The 3D plot window opens. This plots retention time along the x-axis, intensity along the y-axis, and mass along the z-axis. This is analogous to a 3D Plot for 3D PDA data.

It’s that easy!