Fast, all-element ICP-MS detector for single particle analysis or laser ablation imaging

The icpTOF is an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) that connects a TOFWERK TOF mass analyzer to the source and interface hardware of a Thermo Scientific iCAP RQ. The iCAP RQ hardware offers a variety of sample entry options, as well as a strong ICP, better access to cones and lenses, and Q-cell functionality.

While retaining QMS-equivalent sensitivity, the TOF offers concurrent all-element identification, linear response, and mass resolving power >6000. The icpTOF is the appropriate ICP-MS detector for multi-element single particle analysis or fast laser ablation imaging, thanks to its high-speed mass spectral collection and concurrent evaluation of all isotopes.

• All the elements. All the time. The icpTOF continuously records full mass spectra, ensuring that no analyte or interference signal is missed.
• High mass resolution. The mass resolving power of the icpTOF 2R is 6000, helping users to distinguish conflicting ions.
• Precise isotope ratios. The icpTOF detects all isotopes at the same time, removing the risk of the measurements being affected by source and sample fluctuations. Accuracy approaches statistical limits.
• High-speeded detection. The icpTOF records a complete mass spectrum every 12-50 µs. It is the best detector for fast transient signals, including individual nanoparticles, fluid inclusions and laser ablation pixels.
• Maximum sensitivity.  The icpTOF S2 offers the highest sensitivity, allowing it to improve picture resolution and identify tiny particles with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Specifications

icpTOF R, icpTOF 2R, and icpTOF S2 models

The TOFWERK time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzers are coupled to the source and interface hardware of a Thermo iCAP RQ by the icpTOF R, icpTOF 2R, and icpTOF S2. The enhanced performance levels allow for a wide range of implementations.

For applications requiring the extraction of challenging isobaric interferences, the high-resolution 2R is the best choice. The S2’s maximal sensitivity improves bioimaging spatial resolution and enables the identification of tiny particles with a high SNR.

Source: TOFWERK

icpTOF hardware design

• All icpTOF models comprise the iCAP RQ source and interface (blue) with Q-cell technology for suppression of matrix ions.
• The icpTOF 2R’s TOF ion drift chamber (yellow) is two times longer than the icpTOF R’s, resulting in a doubling of mass resolving power.
• The icpTOF S2 compact mass spectrometer captures entire mass spectra at the fastest possible speed, resulting in the finest possible time resolution and sensitivity.

Image Credit: TOFWERK

Notch filter technology to attenuate plasma and sample matrix ions

Signal of a laser ablation experiment on Zircon ‘Plesovice’ -naturally high in Hafnium content. Signal attenuation of notch filter set around mass 28 -Silicon, 40 -Ar-Plasma, 90 –Zircon, and 179 -Hafnium to keep plasma and matrix ion signals <10 mV. Image Credit: TOFWER