Mass-analyzed ion-kinetic-energy spectrometry

The ratio of the kinetic energy to charge of the product ions are analyzed by scanning the electric sector field E. The width of the product ion spectrum peaks is related to the kinetic energy release distribution for the dissociation process.

"[citation needed] The dispersion of velocities due to kinetic energy release leads to the characteristic wide metastable peaks observed using MIKES techniques.

[5] MIKES is a powerful technique used for structural studies of organic compounds, gaseous ions, and also for direct analysis of complex mixtures without separation of the components.

After which, the chemistry is later studied in the second field-free region (FFR) by scanning the electric sector which defines the nature of the fragments by measuring their kinetic energy.

These instruments use a front-end magnetic sector that allows for exclusive mass selection of the precursor ion.

In addition, MIKES has multiple systems for bringing in and/or overseeing collision gases or vapors and the ability to vary slit height and width.

Although common now, back in the 1970s, MIKES had a great computer compatibility that allowed for readily obtainable molecular structures.