Processing and Output Devices:

A typical mass spectrum contains a large amount of structural data in terms of the m/ z values and the relative intensities of all the fragments obtained from the molecule. Further, for the data to be dependable and useful a number of instrumental parameters need to be monitored and controlled. This means a large amount of data and its manipulation. It is achieved with the help of microprocessors and microcomputers that are an integral part of all mass spectrometers. The mass spectrometer data systems also include software for quantification, interpretation, and identification of the molecules using on-line spectral libraries.

In the processing units the ion-current signals obtained from the detector is digitalised and extensively processed before being displayed in terms of a mass spectrum. The spectrum displays the m/z values of all the fragments and their intensities relative to that of the most intense peak called base peak. Sometimes, the data is also displayed in the form of a table wherein the m/z values are listed in an increasing order and the corresponding relative peak intensities are given in numbers.