Lab-On-Chip Systems (ion trap mass spectrometer)

The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer MOMA is a very good example of a Lab on Chip System

 

The MOMA works by a pyrolysis ovens vaporize crushing Martian samples through ramp heating. The vapor is then separated into different molecular species by running the gas through specially-coated tubes (gas chromatography columns) before being passed into the linear ion trap (LIT) mass spectrometer. Immediately before entering the LIT, the molecules flowing through the gas chromatograph pass through an electron ionization source. This gives the molecules an electric charge, enabling the LIT to filter them.