A spectrum which is obtained when a beam of ions is separated according to the
momentum-to-charge ratios of the ionic species contained within it. A sector magnetic field
achieves separation of the various ionic species in this way. If the ion beam is homogeneous
in translational energy, as is the case with sector instruments, separation according
to the
ratios is also achieved and a
mass spectrum is obtained.
Source:
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541
(Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an
appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991))
on page 1551