Michael P. Balogh

Michael P. Balogh is the editor of "MS - The Practical Art," and is widely recognized as one of the leading experts in the field of mass spectrometry. He is currently Principal Scientist, LC-MS Technology Development, with Waters Corp., Milford, Massachusetts, and is a member of LCGC's editorial advisory board.

In mass spectrometry, the electrospray ionization technique quickly earned its place among the primary analytical tools. Yet it is not always the best tool for the job.

With the advances in LC-MS in recent years, is there another practical option on the horizon for those who need the specificity of MS and can justify the narrow definition of a purpose-built system?

This month's column addresses some elementary aspects of the mass spectrum, the tools used and some advances in the science

This month's installment addresses some elementary aspects of the mass spectrum, the tools employed by the experienced practitioner, and advances being made into identifying unknowns.

Michael Balogh uses examples such as the recent acetonitrile shortage to examine the topic of "the unknowable" as it pertains to separation science.

"In retrospect, we sometimes see the successful return of an earlier idea on the back of great advances in technology."

Columnist Michael Balogh looks back on a 1997 LCGC article he wrote, and examines how many technological advances the field of MS has witnessed in the decade since.

The use of mass spectrometry to study biofuels is examined and the advantages and disadvantages are explored.

This column completes the multipart MS primer with a list of terms derived from common usage throughout various industries.