IONTOF

IONTOF is developing a new combination instrument in the framework of the 3D nanoSIMS - label-free molecular imaging project. The aim of the project initiated by Prof. Ian Gilmore from NPL in the UK is to combine our high-performance TOF-SIMS with the extremely powerful Q ExactiveTM mass analyser from Thermo ScientificTM. The project began at the end of 2013 and will be completed in 2016 with the delivery of the first instrument to NPL. The well-known OrbitrapTM mass spectrometer (Thermo ScientificTM Q ExactiveTM HF) is a powerful addition to the conventional TOF.SIMS 5 in a dual-analyser configuration with secondary ion beam switch. The OrbitrapTM analyser provides a mass resolving power of 240,000 @ m/z 200 and a mass accuracy of 1 ppm. In combination with a new gas cluster source (GCS) high-resolution images with a lateral resolution of better than 2 m can be acquired without any static SIMS limitations. The Q ExactiveTM product line also offers comprehensive MS/MS capabilities with precise precursor selection, full mass resolution and mass accuracy, bringing real, high-performance MS/MS for the first time to the field of SIMS. The new Hybrid SIMS instrument is in operation at the IONTOF R&D facility now for a few months and the initial results are very exciting.