Absolute EMVSpecifies that the voltage value entered for the Electron Multiplier Voltage (EMV) is the value to be used. The tune file value is not used. The range is 0 to 3000 volts. If you enter a value outside this range, it is automatically converted to the nearest limit. Values within the allowed range are automatically adjusted to the nearest step size.
ALSAutomatic Liquid Sampler; helps to automate the process of injecting samples. Once a vial is placed in the tray, the instrument can retrieve the vial, do sample and solvent washes, and inject the specified amount of the sample.
AmountThe quantity of the compound in the sample.
AMUAtomic mass units; sometimes used to refer to the size of the ion fragments produced in the mass spectrometer. The precise term is mass-to-charge ratio, abbreviated m/z.
AMUgainAffects the width of the mass peaks by adjusting the ratio of DC voltage to RF voltage on the mass filter. A higher value gives narrower peaks, but affects peaks at high masses more than those at low masses.
AMUoffsetIn Mass Spectromotry, affects the width of the mass peaks by adjusting the initial DC offset value to RF voltage on the mass filter. A higher value gives narrower peaks at all masses.
AreaIn Data Analysis, a measurement of response given by the integrated area above the baseline of a chromatographic peak.
Area percentIn Data Analysis, calculates the area of each peak as a percentage of the total area of all peaks in the run.
Area rejectIn Data Analysis, an integration event that sets the area of the smallest peak of interest. The integrator rejects any peaks that are smaller than the Area Reject value after baseline correction.
Area sumIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that sets points (On/Off) between which the integrator sums the areas between the area sum on and the area sum off time. The retention/migration time of a peak created by area summing is the average of the start and end times.
AttractorIn Data analysis, a tool for manual integration that helps you to position new elements directly on the signal or directly attached to adjacent baseline segments.
Audit trailA record unbreakly linked to the data that independently record the date and time of operator entries and actions that create, modify, or delete the data.
Three levels of audit trails are available: method, injection, and result set. The method audit trail list all method parameter changes corresponding to two successive saved versions of a processing method. The injection audit trail list all the actions that may have change the result of an injection such as link of processing method, processing, or manual operations. The result set audit trail gathered all actions performed on each injection of a result set.
AutotuneFor GC/MS instruments, maximizes instrument sensitivity over a broad mass range. Use this tune for applications requiring maximum sensitivity that do not require the traditional abundance ratios. This tune is also a good starting point for manual tuning. For example, with GC/MS using a PFTBA as a tuning compound, masses are 69, 219, and 502 m/z.
Average calibration pointIn Data Analysis, the average of all calibration points for a specific calibration level on the curves.
Baseline at valleysIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that sets points (On/Off) between which the integrator resets the baseline at every valley between peaks. This function is useful when peaks are riding on the back of a broad, low peak and you want the baseline to be reset to all the valley points.
Baseline backwardsIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that sets a point at which the standard integrator extends the baseline horizontally backward from the declared baseline point to this point.
Baseline correctionIn Data Analysis, during integration, the establishment of the chromatographic baseline at the start and end of a peak.
Baseline correction modeIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that sets the type of baseline correction to Advanced, Classical, or Classical (no penetrations).
Baseline holdIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event where a horizontal baseline is drawn at the height of the established baseline from where the baseline hold event is switched on until where the baseline hold event is switched off.
Baseline next valleyIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that sets a point at which the integrator resets the baseline at the next valley between peaks, and then cancels the function automatically. This function is useful in groups of merged peaks that you assume are riding on the back or are in separate clusters close together.
Baseline nowA timed integration event that sets a point (time) at which the integrator resets the baseline to the current height of the data point, if the signal is on a peak. If the signal is on the baseline, the function is ignored and the detected baseline is used.
Baseline penetrationIn Data Analysis, a situation during integration where the signal falls below the established baseline.
BFBBromofluorobenzene; used as the tune reference compound for volatile compound analysis (EPA method 624).
BlankA sample that is made up only of an appropriate solvent and does not normally undergo the same extraction and preparation procedures as the other sample types. This sample type can be used in a sequence batch between samples to test and evaluate for carryover contamination from a previous sample and to flush the system before injection of another sample. You can determine when to inject a blank by physically placing blank samples into a batch sequence in predetermined or random positions.
BNA compoundsBase/neutral/acid compounds that are prepared for analysis by extraction with an organic solvent. BNA compounds are also referred to as semivolatile compounds.
BracketingA way to reprocess a result set. The calibration curves to quantify samples are built with calibration standards injected before and after the sample.
BubbleA graphical representation of a peak in the form of a circle (bubble) in peak explorer diagram (bubble chart).
BwidthSets the number of smoothing points to use in the Savitsky-Golay filter. Savitsky-Golay is a Finite Interval Repeating (FIR) filter. This filter minimizes data distortion and preserves peak area and peak X-axis value. Each data point is averaged with N points before it and N points after it. N + N + 1 is the number of smoothing points in the filter, and is always an odd number.
BWidth = (Number of smoothing points) * (step size)
If the BWidth setting results in fewer than 5 filter smoothing points, the system increases it to allow for 5 points. Setting the bandwidth to 0 removes the smoothing filter. The wider the BWidth, the more the data is smoothed.
Calibrated compoundA compound for which a calibration table exists.
Calibrated rangeSee Timed group.
CalibrationIn Data Analysis, the process of defining instrument response to a known amount of a particular compound. The resulting calibration curve is used to quantitate the amount of that compound in a sample of unknown concentration.
The instrument response measured for chromatographic data is integrated peak height or area. Mixtures of non-interfering (non-coeluting) compounds can be used to define the response of many compounds in a single calibration. Retention times and response factors for the compounds are then placed in a calibration.
Calibration curveA graph of the concentration and response data obtained from one or more calibration samples. The curve shows how a given compound responds in area counts to varying concentrations under the same instrument conditions and in the presence of constant concentration of an internal standard (if present). To provide reliable results, a calibration curve should have at least two levels that bracket the amount expected to be found in the unknown samples.
Calibration curve windowIn Data Analysis, displays the calibration curve, the individual calibration points, the average calibration points, and the equation and statistics of the focused compound in the focused injection. This is the curve used to calculate the amount for that compound (results calibration curve).
Calibration levelIn Data Analysis, a point or a set of points on a calibration curve. It is defined by an amount in the processing method and a response corresponding to that amount. For single level calibrations, the calibration level number is always one. To obtain reliable quantitative results, a calibration curve should have at least two levels, that is multiple level calibration.
Calibration pointIn Data Analysis, one individual calibration point is added when you process a calibration standard. If there are several standards with the same level, an average point is automatically calculated.
Calibration standardIn Data Analysis, a sample containing a known amount of the compound to quantify. In the software, the calibration standard is referred to as an injection from the calibration standard vial.
Calibration tableIn Data Analysis, a multi-dimensional matrix that defines the response of each different compound at each different concentration.
Response=f(Amount), or Amount=f(Response)
It is a graphical representation of the amount and response information for the compound in the calibration table.
CDSChromatography Data System; a chromatography software that collects and analyzes chromatographic results delivered by chromatography detectors.
ChromatogramDisplays the selected detector signals and instrument curves in the chosen layout.
In Mass Spectrometry, the chromatogram produced by the MSD system is a plot of the ion abundance produced at each time point (scan) during the run. Two types of chromatograms may be displayed: a TIC (total ion chromatogram) or an EIC (extracted ion chromatogram).
CI modeIn Mass Spectrometry, refers to the chemical ionization setup for the MSD. This includes the chemical ionization ion source, flow controller, interface parts, and user-supplied reagent gas.
Classical (no penetrations) baseline correctionIn Data Analysis, a form of baseline correction where the integrator removes baseline penetrations by reconstructing the baseline.
Classical baseline correctionIn Data Analysis, a form of baseline correction where the integrator accepts baseline penetrations.
CompoundA chemical compound can comprise several peaks, in a multi-signal calibration, typically one per signal. In a single signal calibration, a compound refers to one peak.
Compound tableIn Data Analysis, part of the method where you specify the names and retention times of the analyzed compounds.
ConcentrationIn Data Analysis, calculated for each compound. The formula depends on the settings in the processing method:
concentration = amount * multiplier(s) * dilution factor(s)
or
concentration = amount * multiplier(s) / dilution factor(s)
Contextual tabA tab which contains one or more ribbon tabs. Contextual tabs (and the included ribbon tabs) are visible only if a specific user interface element or object is selected. It contains functions relevant only for the selected element or object.
Curve fitsOpenLab CDS can calculate the calibration curve according to different models. The following models are supported: Linear, Quadratic, Logarithmic, Exponential, and Log/Log. You can set the calibration curve model individually for each calibrated compound. Also, the origin of the graph (0, 0) can be handled in different ways per compound.
Data Processing viewThe main view in Data Analysis that is used to process the data (for example, to review the signals and results, to do manual integrations, etc.).
Data Selection viewThe default view in Data Analysis that is shown when the application is started. The view allows you to browse through the data folders of your project and to select the data you want to review or process.
Delta EMVIn Mass Spectrometry, the change in electron multiplier voltage (EMV) relative to the tune file electron multiplier voltage. The range of allowed values is such that the EMV (sum of Delta EMV and Tune EMV) is in the range 0 to 3000 volts. The value that you enter is automatically adjusted to the nearest step size.
DFTPPDecafluorotriphenylphosphine; in Mass Spectrometry, used as the tune reference compound for semivolatile compound analysis (EPA method 625). This is specific to GC/MS only and for US EPA methods.
Dilution factorA scaling factor applied to calculation results before they are reported. Dilution can be used to compensate for changes in sample volume that occur during sample preparation. One to five dilution factors can be defined in the injection list.
Docking areaSee Workspace.
DownslopeIn Data Analysis, the trailing edge of a peak, where the signal is decreasing in intensity.
Drop lineIn Data Analysis, in integration, a method of separating two unresolved peaks by drawing a baseline from the start of the first peak to the end of the second peak, and dropping a perpendicular from the valley to the baseline.
Dwell timeIn Mass Spectrometry, the product of sample number and integration time. To increase signal, a fixed integration time of 253 µs is used for SIM data in Acquisition and the tune file value set for Integer is ignored. Thus, SIM abundance and saturation level may differ from those of Scan mode or profile scans in Tune. The amount of the difference will roughly depend on the ratio of the tune file integration time to the SIM integration time of 253µs.
Dynamic rampingIn Mass Spectrometry, allows you to optimize the signal across an entire mass range of interest by setting different voltages for different masses. In contrast, SIM ramping allows you to optimize the signal for one tune mass at a specific voltage.
ECMEnterprise Content Management; software for organizing and storing an organization’s documents and other content related to the organization’s processes. It includes collaboration and content re-use, archiving tools and other content services.
ELNElectronic Lab Notebook; experiment-centric software designed to replace paper laboratory notebooks. It offers tools for organizing and sharing information between lab members. Specific ELNs support specific applications or data; generic ELNs support all data and formats.
EM SaverFor GC/MS instruments, used to prevent a non-linear detector response at the upper range of a compound's calibration curve. This non-linear response can be caused by setting the gain value or dwell time too high on compounds with high ion concentrations. With EM saver, high gain values and dwell times can be used without saturating the EM
EM Saver is used with SIM mode in a single quadrupole configuration. A benefit of using EM saver is a more consistent detector response and an extended EM life.
EmissionFor GC/MS instruments, on the MSD, the emission current from the filament may be set, but the default setting is recommended as optimal. The higher the current, the more electrons are emitted. If the emission current is set low, it will result in less ionization, which may reduce sensitivity. If the current is set high, there will be more fragmentation of the sample and the filament will burn out more quickly
Min: 0
Max: 410
Stepsize: 1
EMVolts (EMV)In Mass Spectrometry, sets the voltage of the electron multiplier (part of the detector). Increasing the voltage increases the signal sensitivity. Increasing EMVolts increases the abundance by raising the signal coming out of the mass spectrometer. Raising EMVolts also decreases the life span of the multiplier. Operate the multiplier at the lowest voltage that provides adequate sensitivity.
For GC/MS instruments, to prolong its life, turn off (0 volts) the multiplier (and all other voltages) until the solvent peak has passed. (If a solvent delay is specified, these voltages are turned off until the end of the solvent delay). For the same reason, reduce EMVolts if you are analyzing a highly concentrated sample or are operating in CI mode.
EntLensEntrance lens gain; a value used to determine a mass dependent voltage that is applied to the entrance lens. The entrance lens is the final lens through which ions pass before they enter the mass filter.
Typically, during tuning the entrance lens voltage is ramped to find the setting that provides the maximum abundance.
Min: -200
Max: 200
Stepsize: 0.1
Expected retention timeIn Data Analysis, the time at which the peak is expected to elute. It is the retention time of the peak in the peak identification table, corrected by any drift correction determined by time reference peaks (if present).
Exponential tangent skimIn Data Analysis, an integration procedure that draws an exponential curve through the height-corrected start and end of the child peak.
External standard (ESTD) quantitationThe basic quantitation procedure in which the response of the unknown is compared with the response of one or more calibration standards analyzed under the same conditions.
Extracted Ion Chromatogram (EIC)In Mass Spectrometry, a trace of a particular mass or mass range from data acquired in either Scan or SIM mode.
Focused injectionIn Data Analysis, the injection you last highlighted in the Injection Tree, independent of the pin status (pinned or unpinned).
Front Peak skim height ratioIn Data Analysis, an initial integration event that, together with the Skim Valley Ratio, sets the conditions for tangent skimming a small peak on the front of a solvent or other large peak. It is the ratio of the height of the baseline-corrected parent peak to the height of the baseline-corrected child peak.
GAINIn Mass Spectrometry, a measure of the degree of amplification of the very small current of voltage applied across the electron multiplier (EM) to the higher, more quantified current.
Gain FactorIn Mass Spectrometry, an EM gain factor adjusts the signal sensitivity of the detector. EM gain factors have the advantage of remaining constant as the multiplier ages. Therefore, the use of a gain factor produces much higher signal reproducibility for any instrument and better consistency between instruments.
A gain factor of 1.0 represents a signal multiplication (gain) of 100,000 by the detector. Higher gain factors raise the signal sensitivity but can also decrease the life of the EM. Using a higher gain factor can also cause a nonlinear response for the upper range of the calibration curve. It is recommended that the lowest possible gain that allows achieving the desired detection limits be used.
Gain factor settings range from 0.3 to 25 for a single quadrupole.
The relationship between gain factor and EM Voltage is stored in the tune file and updated during tuning.
GraphA diagram using an x- and y-axis. In a signal graph, the signal response is plotted against the retention time. Multiple signals may be shown in an overlaid graph.
Height percent (Height %)In Data Analysis, calculates the height of each peak as a percentage of the total height of all peaks in the run.
Height rejectIn Data Analysis, an initial integration event that defines the height of the smallest peak of interest. Peaks that are smaller than the Height Reject value after baseline correction are rejected.
Initial eventsIn Data Analysis, the integration events that apply at the start of integration. The initial event values remain in force until changed by a timed event.
Injection listIn Data Analysis, a table displaying injections with associated sequence, sample, and injection related information.
Injection resultsIn Data Analysis, a table displaying integration, quantitation, and other peak and compound results of one or more signals.
IntegrationIn Data Analysis, the process of determining the area of the chromatographic peaks. The process also entails determining the coordinates (start point, apex and end point) of the peaks.
Integration eventIn Data Analysis, a parameter that defines the integration conditions. There are two sets of integration events: the Initial Events apply at the start of the run and the Timed Events are applied at specified times during the run.
Integration on/offIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that sets points between which the integrator stops and starts integrating. Peaks between the times the integrator is turned off and on are ignored. This function is useful for ignoring parts of the chromatogram or to eliminate baseline disturbances.
Integration wheelIn Data Analysis, a tool for manual integration that appears when you move the mouse close to a baseline point. It allows easy selection of the possible options of what to do with this single baseline point.
Internal standardA compound that is added to every standard, blank, matrix spike, matrix spike duplicate, and unknown sample after sample preparation but before analysis. The internal standard is added at an exact, known concentration. It is required for the calculation of relative response factors for target compounds.
The internal standard should be similar to the target compound, both chemically and in retention time. But it must be distinguishable either by retention time or (with mass spectrometry) by ions.
Ion focusSets the voltage of the ion focus lens (part of the ion source). Ion focus affects ion abundance. Generally, the offset is ramped during tuning to find the ion focus offset that results in the best ion abundance.
Min: 0
Max: 242
Stepsize: 0.95
ISTDSee Internal Standard.
ISTD amountInternal standard amount added to a sample when using internal standard report calculations.
LayoutDefines which windows are shown and how they are arranged. Layouts can be changed and are saved automatically per user. The user can switch between different layouts in a specific view of the application.
LegendA part of a graph describing the displayed data content (for example, signals name, sample name etc.).
LIMSLaboratory Information Management System; a sample-centric software for managing structured data related to batches of samples, meeting the reporting and audit needs of regulatory bodies and research scientists.
Lock compoundThe compound producing the peak that is evaluated in all Retention Time Locking calibration and lock files.
Lock pressureThe pressure determined from a comparison of the RTL lock file acquisition pressure and retention time to the calibration curve and lock retention time.
Lock retention timeThe desired retention time of the lock compound.
Mass OffsetSets the value of the mass axis offset, which is an additive factor used in the equation to calibrate the mass axis.
Min: -499
Max: 499
Stepsize: 1.
Mass SpectrumProfiles the abundance and mass of all ions found in a compound at a selected retention time. It can be displayed in bar graph or tabular form using the MS Peak Table.
MatrixThe predominant material in the sample to be analyzed. In environmental samples, the matrix is usually water or soil. In drug samples, the matrix is usually urine or blood.
MethodAcquisition methods (.amx files) include the instrument specific parameters for your data acquisition.
Processing methods (.pmx files) are used in the Data Analysis context. They contain the information and parameters needed to process the data and generate results.
Sample preparation methods (.smx files) include parameters in the sampler context, such as the ejection speed or special needle wash settings.
Method calibration curveIn Data Analysis, a calibration curve for a compound stored together with the processing method. A method calibration curve is created/updated when a calibration standard is processed.
Method parametersGeneric term for all values entered by the user into a method user interface. This covers simple values such as the method description as well as more complex parameters that define the behavior of algorithms (e.g. compound amounts in a processing method) or instruments (e.g. Instrument Setup in an acquisition method).
Method selectorIn Data Analysis, the section in the navigation pane in the Data Processing view. Under Method Selection, you can select the processing method with which you want to work.
MultiplierA scaling factor applied to calculation results before they are reported. A Multiplier is often used to compensate for changes in sample volume that occur during sample preparation. One to five multipliers can be defined in the injection list.
m/zIn Mass Spectrometry, refers to the units used in reporting the size of the ion fragments produced in the mass spectrometer. It is the mass of the ion divided by its electronic charge (usually +1).
Named groupGroup of identified compounds and timed groups. The group amount is the sum of the amount of individual compounds and timed groups.
Navigation paneIn Data Analysis, the area at the left of the application. It consists of a title bar, a navigation tree that may contain additional sections, and the view selection buttons. The layout and purpose of the navigation tree depend on the selected view.
Navigation treeThe common term for navigation of any kind of objects in an tree hierarchy. Injection tree, if the objects are injections.
Nested baselineIn Data Analysis, the baseline of a nested peak.
Nested peakIn Data Analysis, also known as rider peak, skimmed peak, or child peak.
New Exponential tangent skimIn Data Analysis, an integration procedure that draws an exponential curve to approximate the trailing edge of the parent peak.
Norm%In Data Analysis, calculates the amounts by applying response factors before calculating the result for each peak as a percentage of the total amounts of all peaks in the run.
Peak baselineIn Data Analysis, a line drawn from the start of the peak to the end of the peak that defines the lower limit of the peak. The peak area is calculated as the area above the baseline.
Peak identificationIn Data Analysis, the process of identifying the chromatographic peaks in the acquired signal with reference to a table of expected compounds.
Peak shoulderIn Data Analysis, shoulders occur when two peaks elute so close together that no valley exists between them, and they are unresolved. Shoulders may occur on the leading edge (front) of the peak, or on the trailing edge (rear) of the peak. When shoulders are detected, they may be integrated either by tangent skim or by drop-lines.
Peak slopeIn Data Analysis, the slope of a peak, which denotes the change of concentration of the compound against time, is used to determine the onset of a peak, the peak apex, and the end of the peak.
Peak tailingIn Data Analysis, asymmetry of the peak such that the time from apex to baseline on the trailing edge is greater than the time from baseline to apex on the leading edge.
Peak widthIn Data Analysis, the width of the band within the column which increases the longer the solute stays in the column. The peak width can be measured at various heights of the peak.
As an initial integration event, it is used to distinguish real peaks from baseline noise by defining the minimum width of a valid peak, in minutes, at half height.
As a timed integration event, it specifies the peak width setting: Auto turns on the automatic update of the peak width; Fixed sets the peak width to the specified value and disables the automatic update of peak width.
Peak-to-valley ratioIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that is used to decide whether two peaks that do not show baseline separation are separated using a drop line or a valley baseline. It is the ratio of the baseline-corrected height of the smaller peak to the baseline-corrected height of the valley. When the peak valley ratio is lower than the user-specified value, a drop-line is used. Otherwise, a baseline is drawn from the baseline at the start of the first peak to the valley, and from the valley to the baseline at the end of the second peak.
PFTBAPerfluorotributylamine; used as the tuning compound for all GC/MS autotunes. It has ions at m/z 31, 50, 69, 100, 131, 219, 264, 414, 464, 502, 576, and 614.
Pinned injectionIn Data Analysis, an injection with a vertical pin in the Injection Tree.
ProcessingIn Data Analysis, applying method parameters to an injection to calculate results. See also Reprocessing.
QuantitationIn Data Analysis, the process of determining the concentration of a compound in an unknown sample, using a calibration curve constructed using the responses of calibration standards containing a known quantity of the compound.
QuickTuneIn Mass Spectrometry, provides a fine tuning to ensure acceptable response and resolution and accurate mass assignment. Only the mass axis, peak widths, and EM voltage are adjusted; the lenses are unaffected.
It does not adjust the relative abundances of the three tuning masses. As long as these relative abundances are at acceptable values (in other words, the instrument is already nearly tuned), QuickTune is the preferred method of daily tuning.
RecalibrationIn Data Analysis, the process of updating the calibration information (responses and retention/migration times) in the calibration table based on new injections of the calibration standards. Recalibration can be carried out at any time, and the updating of the calibration information can either include or exclude the existing calibration data.
Recognize negative peaksIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that sets points (On/Off) between which the integrator recognizes negative peaks, and the integrator no longer resets the baseline automatically after a baseline penetration.
Reference spectrumThe UV or MS spectrum used to confirm the identity of a compound.
Relative response factorIn Data Analysis, the relative response factor of a compound is the response relative to another, usually major, compound whose response factor is well characterized. Relative response factors are used when calibration standards are not available. This is typically used with ISTD calibration.
Relative retention timeIn Data Analysis, specified in many regulatory methods for the identification of minor components. The relative retention times are calculated relative to a main reference peak.
Report headingThe text that appears by default at the top of a newly created report template. Any text that appears here also appears at the top of the report.
Reporting viewA view in Data Analysis that allows you to generate reports for a set of injections. The report can be previewed, printed and exported. If you have permission to edit templates, the view will also contain the report template editor.
ReprocessingIn Data Analysis, repeats the processing after the first processing is complete.
ResponseIn Data Analysis, the magnitude of the signal provided by the detector. Response can be measured either as the height of the signal at the highest intensity, or as the area of the signal above the baseline.
Response factorIn Data Analysis, the ratio of the response (the magnitude of the signal as either height or area) to the concentration of the compound:
Response Factor = Response/Amount
or the ratio of the concentration to the response:
Response Factor = Amount/ Response
Response updateIn calibration, the recalculation of the response factors of the analytes based on a new injection of the calibration standard.
Result calibration curveIn Data Analysis, a copy of the method calibration curve stored as part of the results of an individual injection or a sequence of injections.
Result setThe result set contains the results of a sequence that has been run. It consists of raw data, acquisition method, data analysis method, results, and used report templates.
Retention time locking (RTL)Retention time is the fundamental qualitative measurement of chromatography, whereby compound identification can be performed by comparison with a standard. When a change is made to the chromatographic system, such as column trimming, flow setpoints, or oven parameters, it can have an impact on the retention time of the compound of interest.
Retention time locking is the procedure by which the effect those parameters may have on the retention time can be evaluated and minimized.
RibbonA toolbar element that is always shown on the top of the application window. It is a combination of a classic menu with an application toolbar. The ribbon contains two different types of tabs. The first type is always available (e.g., "Home") and allows access to functions which are present independent of the selected object or window in the application. The second type appears only if a specific element is selected in the application.
Ribbon groupA group of user interface elements in a ribbon tab.
Ribbon tabLogically separates application elements in the ribbons. Only one tab is visible at a time.
RTEReport Template Editor.
RTL Calibration filesFive data files collected at varying pressures (-20%, -10%, nominal, +10%, +20%).
RTL Lock fileThe data file used to set the lock. In this file, the actual retention time of the lock compound and the pressure used to collect the file are compared against the calibration curve and lock retention time to determine the lock pressure.
Run typeDecides on storage or removal of existing calibration points before the processing of a calibration standard. With the run type Clear all calibration, all calibration points are removed before the standard is processed. With the run type Clear calibration at level, only the calibration points of the current calibration level are removed. You define the run type in Acquisition (sequence table) or in Data Analysis (injection list).
Sample amountTotal amount of sample in the vial.
Sample informationInformation about the selected injection. It includes sequence, sample and injection information. The information may be entered by the user when setting up the runs (e.g., sample name) or generated by the system (e.g., acquisition date/time).
Sample nameUsed to identify a sample in data files and reports. This is a user-entered name (1-16 characters) for a sample.
Sample typeUser-selected sample type determines if a sample is a Sample for analysis, a Calibration Standard, or a Blank.
Scan modeA data acquisition technique in which the detector scans from high to low across a range of masses. When one scan is complete, the system resets and immediately scans the range again.
For GC/MS instruments, this process is repeated continuously during the run except during the Solvent Delay time at the start of the run when the MSD is off.
For LC/MS instruments, the scanning is turned on or off as part of the method. The LC effluent can be diverted to waste when components like salts elute which may negatively impact instrument performance.
SDMSScientific Data Management System; data-centric software for organizing files and metadata, including instrument data and other documents.
Semivolatile compoundsCompounds that can be prepared for analysis by extraction with an organic solvent. Semivolatile compounds are also called base/neutral/acid (BNA) compounds.
SequenceContains the information for running multiple samples. This information is entered in the Sequence Table where there must be a line for each injection to be made. A sequence is saved on disk and can be recalled as a starting point for running another batch of sample.
SignalThe measured response of the detector against time throughout the run. Where a detector can be configured to give multiple measurements (e.g., diode-array or multi-wavelength detectors), each response is considered to be a different signal.
Signal selectorIn Data Analysis, the section in the navigation pane in the Data Processing view of Data Analysis. Under Signal Selection, you can select the signals you want to display.
SIM modeSelected ion monitoring mode; in Mass Spectrometry, a data acquisition technique in which one or more m/z values are monitored in order to obtain maximum sensitivity.
Single sampleEvery run which is not part of a result set. It may be created, for example, via the single sample run panel.
Skim valley ratioIn Data Analysis, an initial integration event that, together with the Tail or Front Skim Height Ratio, sets the conditions for tangent skimming a small peak on the tail or front of a solvent or other large peak. It is the ratio of the height of the baseline-corrected child peak to the height of the baseline-corrected valley.
SlopeIn Data Analysis, the rate of change of a parameter; for a signal, the slope indicates the rate of change of concentration of the compound.
Slope sensitivityIn Data Analysis, an integration event that sets the value of the signal slope that is used to identify the start and end points of a peak during integration.
Solvent delayFor GC/MS instruments, the time in minutes after the start of the run when the mass spectrometer is turned on. The MS should be off until the solvent peak has eluted from the column and passed through the MS. For a 25-meter capillary column, a solvent delay of 2 minutes is usually satisfactory.
Solvent peakIn GC, the solvent peak, which is generally a very large peak of no analytical importance, is not normally integrated. However, when small peaks of analytical interest elute close to the solvent peak, for example, on the tail of the solvent peak, special integration conditions can be set up to calculate their areas corrected for the contribution of the solvent peak tail.
Split peakIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that specifies a point at which to split a peak with a dropline. You can either split the peak at the nearest valley, or at a specific point.
StandardA sample containing known quantities of the target compounds and internal standards which is used to provide quantitative calibration. Also referred to as a calibration sample or calibration standard.
Standard tangent skimAn integration procedure that combines exponential and straight line calculations for the best fit to the parent and child peaks.
SurrogateA compound added to every standard, blank, matrix spike, matrix spike duplicate, and unknown sample before sample preparation. The surrogate is added at an exact, known concentration. It is used to determine the efficiency of the sample preparation process. Surrogates should possess chemical properties similar to those of the target compounds but should not be found in a real sample matrix. Deuterated compounds are frequently used as surrogate compounds. Surrogates are sometimes called system monitoring compounds.
Tail peak skim height ratioIn Data Analysis, an initial integration event that, together with the Skim Valley Ratio, sets the conditions for tangent skimming a small peak on the tail of a solvent or other large peak. It is the ratio of the height of the baseline-corrected parent peak to the height of the baseline-corrected child peak.
Tail tangent skimIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that triggers tangent skimming (On/Off) on the trailing edge of the next peak, and designates the peak as a solvent peak.
Tangent skim modeIn Data Analysis, an integration event that sets the type of tangent skimming to Exponential, New Exponential, Standard, or Straight.
Tangent skimmingIn Data Analysis, a procedure for integrating a peak shoulder by constructing a linear or exponential tangent that approximates to the slope of the main peak.
Target compoundA compound designated for analysis by an environmental analysis protocol.
Target ionIn Mass Spectrometry, an ion characteristic of the target compound, preferably one that distinguishes this compound from any others with similar retention times. The extracted ion chromatogram or SIM ion for this ion will be used for quantitationd.
TICTotal Ion Chromatogram; in Mass Spectrometry, the Y-axis is the sum of all ion abundances for each scan. The TIC is displayed in the Data Analysis window when you first load a data file. For LC/MS data run in positive, negative mode or multiple Fragmentor mode, you will see multiple TICs for each data file.
Time reference peakIn Data Analysis, a peak that is used to check the reproducibility of retention/migration times and, if necessary, to correct for any drift in chromatographic conditions.
Timed groupA group of peaks defined by time regions. The group may include identified peaks (compounds) present within the region. Timed groups are quantified according to their own calibration parameters. Individual peaks of the timed group can be quantified using the group RF.
ToolbarIn addition to the commands available in the ribbon toolbar, each window can have its own toolbar with specific commands.
Trace Ion Detection (TID)For GC/MS instruments, allows the user to obtain lower Method Detection Limits (MDLs) during analysis. It decreases the noise content of Total and Extracted Ion Chromatograms. The lower noise level results in more reproducible baselines for calculating the peak height and peak area for analyses and standards. TID also reduces the number of peaks requiring manual integration in complex chromatograms.
TuningIn Mass Spectrometry, a process for optimizing the performance of the MSD. The goal of tuning is to maximize sensitivity while maintaining acceptable resolution, ensuring accurate mass assignment, and providing the desired relative abundances across the spectrum.
Unassigned peakIn Data Analysis, a timed integration event that sets points (On/Off) between which the integrator treats areas between baseline and signal, but outside the normal peak start and end points, as Unassigned areas.
Uncalibrated compoundA compound that has been identified, but for which no calibration table exists.
UnknownA short way of referring to a sample that contains an unknown concentration of the compound to be quantitated.
Valley baselineIn integration, a method of separating two unresolved peaks by drawing a baseline from the baseline at the start of the first peak to the valley, and from the valley to the baseline at the end of the second peak.
ViewA view separates different major user interfaces within a single software application. Views typically share a single navigation element on the left side which allows switching between the views and navigation to the data objects within a specific view. Example: Microsoft Outlook - which is separated into the views: Mail, Calendar, Task, etc. Normally the data objects/tasks handled in the views are different.
VOA compoundsVolatile organic analysis compounds that can be prepared for analysis using the purge and trap technique. Also referred to as volatile or purgeable compounds.
Weighting modeA way of applying weight to calibration points when calculating the curve equation. The weighting mode can be defined in the method for each compound or timed group calibrated with a calibration curve.
WorkspaceArea in the user interface where the different windows are displayed. The workspace excludes the ribbon and the navigation tree.