Since its invention, there has been extensive R&D work ongoing toward improving mass analysis technology, as is the case with any other high-tech field. To date, mass spectrometry technologies have gained incredible technological advances. Nowadays, various kinds of mass spectrometers are in use for mass analysis. Among the most widely used mass analyzers are ion trap, quadrupole, time of flight, quadrupole ion trap, and others. Here, we will discuss the time of flight mass spectrometer detailing its technology, advantages, and application. So, our focus will be to present a thorough review of TOF MS in which we will elaborate on various aspects of Markes TOF MS.
GC TOF MS is the short form of Gas Chromatography Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry and is a variant of GCMS systems. A GC separates different analytes within a chemical compound by eluting it through a column. The TOFMS acts as a detector to detect ions of the analytes eluted by the GC.
A TOFMS identifies ions by calculating their Time-of-Flight at a fixed distance. The mechanical layout of a TOFMS system is simple compared to other types of mass spectrometers allowing a TOFMS to be extremely fast in electronic signal acquisition. As analyte molecules exit the column of the GC, they enter the analyzer chamber of the TOFMS and become ionized. Then the ions are accelerated toward the detector by an electric energy (E) of a specific magnitude. The resultant velocity of an ion will be according to its mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). Measuring the time (t) an ion takes to travel a fixed distance (s) establishes its travel velocity (v). Once E and v are known, the mathematical formula m = 2*E/v2 determines the mass of an ion. A Rapid TOF-MS detection capability makes TOFMS the most demanding mass analysis technology.
Some core capabilities of commonly available time of flight mass spec systems may include the following:
- Mass range: up to 480000 au
- Mass resolutions: > 10500
- Ion optical transmission efficiency: > 10%
- The flight path of the flight tube: 1000 to 2000 mm
- Kinetic energies: up to 2000 eV
- Flight times: 5 to 100 µs
- Peak widths: 500-700 picoseconds
BenchTOF is the trademark of Markes International Ltd. and SepSolve Analytical, UK. Markes and SepSolve are leaders in manufacturing high-tech laboratory instruments like mass spectrometry, thermal desorber, multimode sampling system, etc. BenchTOF2 time-of-flight mass spectrometer is the latest edition of the state-of-the-art BenchTOF series TOF MS systems developed and manufactured by SepSolve. The BenchTOF2 mass spectrometer has the following specifications and capabilities.
The BenchTOF2 Time-of-Flight (TOF) MS is designed to enable laboratories to meet evolving analytical challenges and growing workloads with increased data accuracy while keeping costs low. BenchTOF2 is highly competitive in performing all TOF mass spectrometer functions like
- Simultaneous analysis of the complete ion list
- Yielding full mass spectra for unknown and selected compounds in one run
- Optimized sensitivity
Traditional mass spectrometers suffer from poor sensitivity and ion wastage. Though the Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode provides better sensitivity, it can't analyze unknown compounds.
Benefits of BenchTOF2
- Trusted identification of analyte thru an unrivaled fusion of exceptional selectivity, SIM grade sensitivity, intelligent software suit, and high-resolution spectra.
- Upgraded detection limits can detect vast trace-level compounds in a single run in full spectral details with the advantage of a look-back search for new species.
- Five-degree magnitude broad dynamic range allows precise quantification of a high-density species without compromising on low detection capacity, eliminating the need to run again or dilution.
- Patented Tandem Ionisation® technology permits the simultaneous acquisition of hard and soft EI spectra in individual runs aiding in the correct identification of complex compounds like isomers in a simple process.
- High-speed data acquisitions allow BenchTOF2 MS to assist in faster GC and GC×GC separations.
- Enhanced productivity by H2 carrier gas compliance, speedy chromatographic separation, quicker investment return, low ownership cost, and smooth new lab setup.
- The graphical user interface incorporates system control, method setup & optimization, data processing, and chemo-metrics in one platform that is helpful to non-MS experts to self-learn with less training.
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