What type of ions are collected in an ion trap for further analysis?

In an ion trap, the specific type of ions that are collected for further analysis are indeed the charged ions. An ion trap operates by utilizing electric or magnetic fields to confine ions so they can be studied in detail. Charged ions are essential in this process because they possess an electric charge, which allows them to be manipulated and contained within the trap through the application of these fields.

The ability of the ion trap to gather and hold these charged ions is critical for processes such as mass spectrometry, where it allows for various analyses, including identification and quantification of the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios. Once the charged ions are trapped, they can undergo various examinations, leading to insights about their structure and the compounds from which they originated.

Thus, collecting charged ions is pivotal, as it enables the analytical capabilities of the ion trap to be effectively employed in research and practical applications.