Application and field test of a mobilethermal desorption - single photon ionization -ion trap mass spectrometer (TD-SPI-ITMS)for trace detection of security relevant substances

摘要

The objective of this accomplished project funded by the German BMBF was to develop a single photon ionization ion trap mass spectrometer (SPI-ITMS) for detection of security relevant substances in complex matrices at low concentrations. The advantage of such a soft ionization technique is a reduction of target ion fragmentation allowing identification of signals from complex matrices and enabling MS/MS capability. To obtain low detection limits, the applied photon energy has to be below the ionization potential (IP) of the bulk matrix components. Therefore, photon energies between 8 eV (155 nm) and 12 eV (103 nm) are necessary which was achieved with newly developed electron beam excimer lamps (EBEL). They generate light at different wavelengths depending on the selected rare gas emitting wavelengths adapted to the analyzed substances. So, e.g. with a krypton-EBEL with 8.4 eV photon energy most narcotics can be ionized without notable fragmentation. Due to their higher IPs, EBEL with higher photon energy have to be used for most explosives. Very low false-positive and false-negative rates have been achieved using MS/MS studies. First field tests of a demonstrator provided the proof of principle.