There are other types

This article discusses "time-of-flight" mass spectrometry.

There are several other types, including:

  • Magnetic sector mass spectrometry
    Ions travel in curved paths imposed by a magnetic field; the radius of curvature depends on the mass.

  • Quadrupole mass spectrometry
    Ions follow complex paths imposed by oscillating electric fields applied between four parallel rods. Ions of only one mass at a time are able to pass through the entire assembly.

  • Fourier-Transform mass spectrometry
    Ions vibrate in a region having electric and magnetic fields. The ion motion induces oscillating electrical currents on the region walls; the frequencies of these currents are related to the ion masses.