Fuzzy Logic Classification of Imaging Laser Desorption Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry Data

A fuzzy logic based classification engine has been developed for classifying mass spectra obtained with an imaging internal source Fourier transform mass spectrometer (ILD-FTMS). Traditionally, an operator uses the relative abundance of ions with specific mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios to categorize spectra. An operator does this by comparing the spectrum of m/z versus abundance of an unknown sample against a library of spectra from known samples. Automated positioning and acquisition allow ILD-FTMS to acquire data from very large grids, this would require classification of up to 3600 spectrum per hour to keep pace with the acquisition. The tedious job of classifying numerous spectra generated in an ILD-FTMS imaging application can be replaced by a fuzzy rule base if the cues an operator uses can be encapsulated. We present the translation of linguistic rules to a fuzzy classifier for mineral phases in basalt. This paper also describes a method for gathering statistics on ions, which are not currently used in the rule base, but which may be candidates for making the rule base more accurate and complete or to form new rule bases based on data obtained from known samples. A spatial method for classifying spectra with low membership values, based on neighboring sample classifications, is also presented.