About Mass Spectrometry

What is Mass Spectrometry?

To get started, check out our 'What is Mass Spectrometry?' poster and brochure

In a nutshell, mass spectrometry is an analytical tool useful for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of one or more molecules present in a sample. These measurements can often be used to calculate the exact molecular weight of the sample components as well. Typically, mass spectrometers can be used to identify unknown compounds via molecular weight determination, to quantify known compounds, and to determine structure and chemical properties of molecules.

How does a mass spectrometer perform such a feat? Every mass spectrometer consists of at least these three components: Ionization Source, Mass Analyzer, and Ion Detection System

ASMS Video Library & Vimeo Channel

Our ASMS Video Library is accessible to the general public and contains videos on various mass spectrometry topics, listed in the left column of this page. Many Tutorial lectures from the ASMS annual conferences are included.

New! ASMS Vimeo Channel. All ASMS videos accessible to general public are now also available on our Vimeo channel.

Watch these videos to hone your knowledge or spark your interest in something new!

Other Resources

Download these resources for yourself or to share with others.

NIH Grant Process and Tips for Applicants

Mass Spectrometry Basics for Young Students: An Interactive Laboratory Tour (PDF). A valuable resource for educators. Lead author Ron M.A. Heeren, FOM-Institute AMOLF, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

An Education and Outreach article describing this resource, entitled “A MASSive Laboratory Tour. An Interactive Mass Spectrometry Outreach Activity for Children”, was published by Jungmann, et al. in J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. (2013) 24:979-982. DOI: 10.1007/s13361-013-0663-4

Intensive Learning Opportunities

View a list of Mass Spec Schools

Go to ASMS Short Courses offered in-person at the annual conference (late May-early June). Several online short courses are typically offered in November and December.

About ASMS and Mass Spec History

To learn about the history of mass spectrometry go to the About ASMS and MS History page. Here you will find our collection of history posters (available for download), oral histories, and history videos.