Empower Tip: Review Window and the Processing Method

In this tip, we will discuss another option for Deriving Channels when working with 3D MS data, called TIC plot.

You may hear your colleagues talking about TIC plots for 3D MS data. What is a TIC plot? A TIC, or Total Ion Chromatogram, is a 2D chromatogram which plots the sum of all ion intensities acquired across the mass range at every time point. The mass range is set in the instrument method. (There isn’t an analogous Derived Channel when working with 3D PDA data.)

Let me show you how it is done.

We begin by bringing a channel of 3D MS data into Review.

Go to the Method Set window and Derive a Channel, selecting TIC.

Select the MS Scan (3D channel) from the Function drop down list.

Save the Derived Channel and select a Processing Method.

Return to the main window and apply the Method Set. The Total Ion Chromatogram is displayed.

The TIC plot appears to be a bit noisy. Can this be improved? Stay tuned for a future tip on improving the TIC plot by using CODA or Component Detection Algorithm.

It’s that easy!