Mass analyzer miniaturization

Tandem MS (MS/MS) capability, small size, and lower cost are other desirable characteristics of a mass analyzer. Miniaturization of mass spectrometers is a growing area of interest for field applications. Tandem MS is helpful in the analysis of complex mixtures. 

The properties of an ideal mass analyzer are well described, [2] but despite the tremendous improvements made, still no mass analyzer is perfect. To reach a deeper insight into the evolution of mass spectrometers the articles by Beynon, [3] Habfast and Aulinger, [4,5] Brunnee [6,7], Chapman et al. [8] and McLuckey [9] are recommended for further reading. In recent years, miniature mass analyzers have gained interest for in situ analysis, [10] e.g., in environmental [11] or biochemical applications, [12] for process monitoring, for detection of chemical warfare agents, for extraterrestrial applications, [13] and to improve Space Shuttle safety prior to launch. [14]... 

Badman, E.R. Cooks, R.G. Miniature Mass Analyzers. J. Mass Spectrom. 2000, 35, 659-671. 

The two main types of mass spectrometers used for analysis and detection of explosives are the quadrupole and the ion trap. These two types of mass analyzers are relatively small, when compared with magnetic sector instruments. They can be miniaturized to make mobile detectors weighing less than 15 kg. 

Issues of size, portability, and power requirements have been addressed during the last years, and miniature and mobile mass spectrometers have been developed, based on a variety of mass analyzers. Also, different ionization techniques, such as ESI and DESI, have been applied for the detection of explosives. 

The above presented results confirm the applicability of the miniature laser mass analyzer LASMA in different earth-based areas, where an express elemental and isotopic analysis is needed. The instrument is especially suitable for in-field environmental studies and meets the basic requirements such as small dimensions and mass high mobility high degree of autonomy operation in various working conditions minimal consumption of energy and consumables easy operation and maintenance easy exchange of the main functional blocks fully-automated analysis cycle, registration and identification of the mass spectra. 

The recent progress in micro/nanofabrication technology as well as microfluidics has spurred efforts to interface chip-based separation devices with electrospray ionization mass spectrometers. As frontiers in the ability to miniaturize the mass analyzers are being extended further, an... 

Portable miniature CIT The mini-CIT mass analyzer accounts for < 1 % of the total volume and weight of the instrument thus, the major miniaturization effort... 

Badman ER and Cooks RG (2000) Miniature mass analyzers. Journal of Mass Spectrometry 35 659-671. 

While significant advances have been made toward the miniaturization and ruggedization of mass analyzers for space flight applications, considerably less attention has been given to the vacuum systems required to enable in situ MS. For this reason, the vacuum pumps often severely limit the overall capabilities of the mass analyzers they support. Specifically, in many applications commercially available vacuum pumps are too bulky, require too much power for spacecraft power sources, or are intolerant to the vibration and shock associated with space flight. 

Miniaturized Mass Analyzers for Explosive Threat Detection... 

FIGURE 20.18 Diagram of a miniaturized toroidal ion trap mass analyzer. Source Lammert, S. A., et al. (2006) Miniature toroidal radio frequency ion trap mass analyzer. Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 17, 916-922. 

The future miniaturization of MS will depend on decreasing the size, power, high voltage, and vacuum requirements of the mass analyzers. Further reductions in the size and complexity of electronic control units including data processing and output modules may lead to the realization of mass spectrometers used outside the laboratory. The continued improvement of systems with miniature mass analyzers will help to increase performance, resolving power, and ease of use of these systems. 

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