Mass Spectrometry
The Multi User Mass Spectrometry Laboratory of the Department of Chemistry provides analytical services on a variety of mass spec platforms.
Open Access is granted to registered users for many of these instruments. The lab manager provides additional support and guidance for more complex methodologies, instrumentation and data analysis.
Facility Access
In order to comply with division guidelines for safely reopening facilities, please observe the updated instructions on how to access the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory.
Researchers who need access equipment are to use the existing instrument online calendar to reserve a time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. This is to allow time for inspection of the lab and general cleaning each day. The individuals with reserved time are to arrive at their scheduled time to avoid potential crowding in the laboratory or hallway. Up to four people may use the instrumentation by reserving calendar time. Those individuals who are dropping off samples for analysis are to leave paperwork and samples in a bin on the table by the lab entrance.
Instruments
The JMS-600H is a compact double-focusing, high-resolution, magnetic sector mass spectrometer with resolving power of 25,000, using the 10% valley definition. This instrument is used for accurate mass measurement of molecules. Samples may be introduced into the ion source using a gas chromatograph (GC) or a direct insertion probe (DIP) and ionized by electron ionization (EI). Polar and nonvolatile samples are usually introduced into the ion source by the FAB probe and ionized by fast atom bombardment (FAB).
Access: Staff Ionization: FAB, EI, limited CI, DIPMode: PositiveMass Range: HS Mode: 50- 800, HF Mode: 600-1800Resolution: Generally set to 3000Analyzer: Magnetic and Electric SectorsSoftware: Shrader Software
(acquired in 2010 with funds from an HHMI Undergraduate Grant)
Access: Open Ionization: ESIAnalyzer: linear ion trapm/z range: generally 150-2000MS/MS capability: YesSoftware: XCalibur The LTQ is equipped with an electrospray ionization source. It may be operated in direct infusion mode or interfaced with a liquid-chromatography (LC) system.
(acquired in 2005 with funds from an NSF CRIF Grant)
The LCT Premier XE is a time-of-flight mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source. Instrument operation alternates between direct infusion mode and on-line LC-MS depending on lab and research needs. Access: Open/Assisted Ionization: ESIAnalyzer: TOFm/z range: generally 150-2000Resolution: 5,000 in V mode and 10,000 in W modeAccurate Mass Capability: yes (staff only)Mode: direct infusion and UPLC-MS
(acquired in 2016 with funds from DOW Foundation Grant)
The Autoflex is a state-of-the art matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) instrument used for analysis of mostly large synthetic and biopolymers. Ionization: MALDIAnalyzer: TOFm/z range: generally 500 Da-120 kDaSoftware: FlexControl and FlexAnalysis
Instrument Use Policy
With the exception of the magnetic sector instrument (JMS-600H), which is operated by lab personnel ONLY, the remaining mass spectrometers are available for individual use after training.
User Registration
All users must complete User Registration Form prior to training on the instrument(s) they plan to use. A one-time training fee of $75 will be charged to your PTA.
Reserve Time
Trained users may book instrument time by signing the calendar for each mass spectrometer using the following web link: http://chemex.che.caltech.edu/cal/webcal-3/webcal.cgi. If you need to use the instrument for more than two hours at one time you will need to consult the lab manager.
Mass Spec User List
Users of the lab are advised to subscribe to the mass spec user list to be alerted of instrument status and lab closures and changes to policies. https://lists.caltech.edu/listinfo/massspec_lab
Lab Guidelines
Users must observe safe lab procedures. Please notify lab personnel if there is any condition that prevents use of the instrument or endangers the safety of those present in the lab.
Users must sign into the logbook before beginning to work on the instrument and complete the time-of-use form after completion of their work.
All users must verify cleanliness of the instrument before and after running their own samples. Work area must be left clear of debris including, used gloves, KimWipes, etc.
Lab entry is via keypad code. This code will be shared at the discretion of the lab manager.
Users who intentionally or neglectfully misuse, damage, or contaminate the instruments and/or solvents will lose their privilege to use the instruments, and will be billed for any repairs, cleanup or decontamination. This includes but is not limited to physical damage, chemical contamination, or corruption of the data systems.
Users are not to use the instrument control computers for SURFING on the web, playing games, downloading music, or emailing data.
Policy Regarding Preservation of Data
Lab personnel transfer data from instrument control computers to a local server (Seabiscuit) at intervals; the Seabiscuit server is also mirrored onto a second disk. Still, disk capacity is limited and ultimately even the data on the server have to be archived. Users are thus asked to bring a flash drive with them to back up their data. Each computer is connected to a router with multiple USB ports. Please use these ports instead of the USB port on the computer.
Guidelines for Acknowledgement in Print
The CCE Multiuser Mass Spectrometry lab in Crellin B170 is a shared mass spectrometry laboratory. The mass spectrometers in this lab have been using funds from NSF (CRIF and MRSEC programs), Hughes Foundation, DOW, and CCE Division funds. Please acknowledge the lab in your publications to assist in acquisition of future funds needed to update its equipment. Acknowledgement may be in this form:
"This research was enabled/benefited from the use of instrumentation made available by the Caltech CCE Multiuser Mass Spectrometry Laboratory." Please email an electronic copy of any publication that made use of this lab's services.
FY 2019 Rates
Please note that instrument time is charged on the basis of actual time used with a minimum visit time of 15 minutes and increments specific to each instrument. If you would like to use the facility and are external to Caltech, please contact Mona Shahgoli at (626) 395-3372.
Forms
Mass Spectrometry Request Form
On-Campus User Registration Form
Facilities Use/Technical Services Agreement Form
Contact Information
Mona Shahgholi, Ph.D.
Telephone: (626) 395-3372
email: monas@caltech.edu
Mailing Address:
Caltech
Chemistry 164-30
1200 East California Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91125