An arrangement in which ions are subjected to two or more sequential stages of analysis (which may be separated spatially or temporally) according to the quotient mass/charge. A hybrid mass spectometer is an instrument which combines analysers of different types, e.g. magnetic plus electric sector combined with quadrupole. The study of ions involving two stages of mass analysis has been termed mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry.
Source:
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541. 'Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)' on page 1546 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163101541)