期刊介绍：

Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry is a journal whose aim is the rapid publication of original research results and ideas on all aspects of the science of gas-phase ions; it covers all the associated scientific disciplines. There is no formal limit on paper length ("rapid" is not synonymous with "brief") but papers should be of a length that is commensurate with the importance and complexity of the results being reported. Contributions may be theoretical or practical in nature; they may deal with methods techniques and applications or with the interpretation of results; they may cover any area in science that depends directly on measurements made upon gaseous ions or that is associated with such measurements. It is intended that this journal will also be a forum for discussion and for the dissemination of technical information and news in this scientific field as well as of information on past and forthcoming events of special interest to mass spectroscopists. The majority of the journal comprises: Original Research Articles concerned with gas-phase ions. However to achieve the aims set out above there are several other sections: Research Methods and Applications for reports on new applications of commercial instruments illustrating their versatility their particular advantage for certain applications how to achieve the limit of performance in terms of resolution sample size sensitivity etc. or how to operate under reproducible conditions. Details of computer programs of general interest may appear in this section. Manufacturers are invited to submit results that they might normally publish in the form of "Application Notes". Such papers will be subject to refereeing though special arrangements can be made to ensure confidentiality until publication. Offprints can be supplied in covers that meet individual manufacturers' requirements. Letters to the Editor for constructive comments and opinions on published work or on any matter of relevance to mass spectroscopists. Book Reviews . Normally invited by the Editors who will be pleased to receive books for possible review in this section. Calendar of Events . Details of forthcoming events of interest to mass spectroscopists. Recent Events describing mass spectrometry conferences and similar events. Obituaries of well-known mass spectroscopists either submitted by colleagues or invited. Award Announcements . Product Announcements about new equipment etc. From time to time at the invitation of the Editor-in-Chief the journal will publish a group of papers from a single laboratory to celebrate the achievements of the laboratory and illustrate the contribution it has made to the development of mass spectrometry. Such a group of papers will be accompanied by an introductory history of