Traditional, single-stage or linear reflectrons suffered from a lack of sensitivity and resolving power when ion velocities (and thus kinetic energies were not equal.

In MALDI mass spectrometry, metastable ions generated spontaneously after ionization (post-source decay) exhibit a wide spectrum of kinetic energies.

[7] While he is primarily known for his contributions to the field of time-of-flight mass spectrometry,[8] his research in the development and application of new ionization techniques for complex biomolecules.

[14] The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) project is part of a collaboration to search for potential signatures of Martian life.

Cotter was a deputy principal investigator and responsible for the design and development of a low-power, ion trap-time-of-flight mass spectrometer to be deployed with the ESA ExoMars rover.