Two different Surface Sampling Methods have been developed for Advanced IMS. These methods are based on the desorption of the samples from the surface and subsequent detection by Advanced IMS with capillary inlet.
The desorption techniques are:
The Laser Desorption technique developed for analysis of solids and surfaces was successfully tested for detection of explosives in real field. All kinds of explosives was successfully detected from various materials. In this case was our PAIMS in combination with Laser Desorption technique customize for needs of Dr. Jankiewicz’s group from Institute of Optoelectronics, Warsaw Military University of Technology.
In this short video, we demonstrate the powerful capabilities of Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) for explosives detection on a wide range of surfaces — without any sample preparation. This innovative technique, enhanced by LASER Desorption sampling, enables rapid and highly sensitive identification of explosive residues in real-world scenarios.
Our Ion Mobility Spectrometry system has been rigorously tested for detecting TNT, RDX, PETN, SEMTEX, C4, DNT, HMTD, and TATP, achieving sub-nanogram sensitivity (below 1ng). This level of precision makes IMS a crucial tool for security forces, military operations, and forensic investigations, ensuring fast and reliable explosives detection in critical environments.
This advanced technology is being developed as part of Project RISEN, supported by EU HORIZON 2020, aiming to enhance security and counter-terrorism capabilities across Europe.
Watch the video to see how Ion Mobility Spectrometry revolutionizes explosives detection, offering unmatched accuracy and efficiency in threat identification.
Read our article about : Laser Desorption of Explosives from the Surface of Different Real-World Materials Studied Using C2Cl6-Dopant-Assisted Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Our innovative surface sampling methods integrate high-resolution, high-sensitivity Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) with an advanced Ion Mobility Spectrometer (IMS), delivering a powerful analytical approach for rapid and precise chemical identification.
After TLC separation, the TLC surface is analyzed using Laser Desorption – AIMS, eliminating the need for additional sample preparation or manual manipulation. The Ion Mobility Spectrometer enables real-time detection by precisely sampling the TLC plate as it moves along a motorized micro-positioning stage, ensuring optimal accuracy and efficiency.
This method has been successfully applied to analyze TLC plates containing explosives such as TNT, RDX, PETN, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and 3,4-dinitrotoluene, as well as amino acids (alanine, proline, isoleucine), nicotine, and diphenylamine mixtures. The combination of Thin Layer Chromatography and an Ion Mobility Spectrometer offers a groundbreaking solution for forensic analysis, security screening, and advanced chemical research.
Discover how this cutting-edge approach enhances analytical performance for chemical detection, explosives analysis, and forensic science applications.
Read our article about : Laser desorption-ion mobility spectrometry as a useful tool for imaging of thin layer chromatography surface
