What is the term for linking several quadrupoles in sequence?

The term for linking several quadrupoles in sequence is commonly referred to as MS/MS and MS^N. This terminology arises from the field of mass spectrometry, where the first part, "MS," represents mass spectrometry, and the notation "MS/MS" indicates tandem mass spectrometry. This process involves the analysis of ions in stages, allowing for detailed information about the structure of molecules by fragmenting them and analyzing the resulting ions. The “N” in MS^N denotes the potential to cascade through multiple stages of mass spectrometry, providing an even deeper layer of analysis and structural elucidation.

This method is crucial for applications such as proteomics, metabolomics, and any situation where detailed molecular characterization is required. It leverages the capabilities of sequential ion isolation and fragmentation, which aids in achieving finer resolution and sensitivity in analysis.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately describe the sequential linking of quadrupoles. "Coupled Quadrupole" may imply a relationship between quadrupoles but does not specifically denote the sequential analysis aspect. "Sequential Analysis" is vague and lacks the specificity of mass spectrometry nomenclature. "Mass Coupling" does not clearly convey the concept of the sequential linking of quadrupoles in mass spect