Safe-XUV

FEATURES

  • Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer with soft single photon ionization using the E-Lux VUV-lamp
  • Formation, enrichment and identification of characteristic ions
  • High selectivity and minimized matrix interferences
  • No initial chromatographic separation required, fast on-site analysis and
    mobile operation possible
  • On-site detection of security relevant substances like narcotics, drug
    precursors, chemical warfare agents or explosives

 

The R&D Project SAFE-XUV

Motivation

Threats from terrorism, organized crime or technical disasters lead to a persistently tense security situation worldwide. Therefore, a fast, selective and sensitive on-site detection of hazardous substances with minimized impact on the supervised activities is required. Within the R&D project SAFE-XUV, OPTIMARE has developed an analytical system for a fast detection of security relevant substances based on an ion trap mass spectrometer (ITMS) with single photon ionization (SPI).

Design

The E-Lux VUV-source provides emission wavelengths of 116 nm (Kr/Ar), 126 nm (Ar) or 147 nm (Kr). A soft and selective SPI of relevant organic molecules with minimized ion fragmentation is possible, typical carrier gas components like N2, O2, H2O, CO2 are not ionized. Characteristic ions (often molecular ions) are generated and isolated inside the ion trap. The subsequent collision induced dissociation (CID) in MS/MS-experiments allows an unambiguous analyte identification.

Due to the selective detection, time consuming separation or sample preparation steps are not required. Samples are taken using wipe pads or gas sampling devices and introduced into the ITMS via a thermal desorption system. The analytical procedure requires only a couple of minutes (1-2 min). The entire system including sampling, gas supply etc. is designed as a mobile device suited for on-site operations.

Application
The SAFE-XUV system has been designed for luggage inspection in air transportation or border control applications. Moreover, the system allows a fast detection of narcotics and precursors and can be a helpful tool in police investigation.

The development was funded through the German federal ministry of education and research (BMBF) according to grant number FKZ 13N8820.