Robert E. Finnigan

Robert E. Finnigan
Finnigan with Model 1020 GCMS/Data System, 1983
Born
Robert Emmet Finnigan

(1927-05-27)May 27, 1927
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
DiedAugust 14, 2022(2022-08-14) (aged 95)
Palo Alto, California, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Illinois, U.S. Naval Academy (Class of 1949)
Spouse
Bette Van Horn
​
(m. 1950)​
Scientific career
FieldsGas chromatography–mass spectrometry
InstitutionsUnited States Air Force, Electronic Associates, Finnigan Instrument Corporation
Doctoral advisorGilbert Fett
External videos
video icon "Robert Finnigan -- Computerized GC/MS and Environmental Chemistry", Legends of Environmental Chemistry, 2008

Robert Emmet Finnigan (May 27, 1927 – August 14, 2022) was an American pioneer in the development of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry equipment (GC/MS). Finnigan founded the Scientific Instruments Division of Electronic Associates, Inc., producing the first commercial quadrupole mass spectrometer in 1964. He then formed Finnigan Instruments Corporation to combine a computer system with a quadrupole mass spectrometer and gas chromatograph. Finnigan's GC/MS/computer systems are used to detect and identify trace organic compounds, making them important instruments for the monitoring and protection of the environment. They were adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a standard instrument for monitoring water quality and were fundamental to the work of the EPA.[1][2]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Middleditch was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Grob was invoked but never defined (see the help page).