A mass spectrometer used as a detector to give qualitative and quantitative data on the various eluted substances. The mass spectrum of the eluted compounds provides evidence beyond the elution time as to the chemical nature of the species.
Source:
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2191 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)