mipTOF is a field-deployable TOFMS with a high-power microwave-induced plasma for real-time measurement of trace elements and metals in the air.
Features
High-Power Plasma Source
Microwave-sustained inductively coupled atmospheric plasma (MICAP, RADOM Corp.) may operate with either N2 gas or air.
Field Deployable
On-site gas generation eliminates the requirement for gas cylinders.
Real-Time Sampling
Continuous particulate analysis using direct, real-time air sampling.
Maximum Sensitivity
Elemental detection in individual particles at detection limits ranging from atto- to femtogram.
Applications
- Air toxics
- Mobile air monitoring
- Airborne particulate matter
- Source apportionment
mipTOF Features
High Power Plasma Source
Image Credit: TOFWERK
The mipTOF is a combination of a high-speed, high-sensitivity time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzer and a high-temperature microwave-induced plasma (mip).
- Air or nitrogen (N2) gas sustains the plasma source (MICAP, RADOM, Corp.)
- For quantitative, real-time detection, air samples are directly injected into the mipTOF at sampling rates ranging from 0.1-0.15 L/min
- Passive sampling by venturi effect: Using a standard pneumatic nebulizer, air sampling is accomplished without a pump in the sample flow channel
Continuous Real-Time Measurement
The mipTOF makes fast and sensitive mass detection of almost all particle elements possible. It also makes it possible to precisely locate and track metal-containing aerosols and aerosol events. This capability's capacity to reveal variations in particle composition results in clearer elemental correlations and better source apportionment.
Quantified mipTOF time trace from the analysis of ambient air at around midnight on New Year’s 2025. Comprehensive mass detection of nearly all particle elements enables clearer elemental correlations and improved source apportionment. Image Credit: TOFWERK
Example of real-time analysis of particles produced from a strike of a disposable lighter at a distance of 1 m from pneumatic nebulizer sampler. a) Quantified mipTOF time traces of Fe, Ce, and La averaged to a time resolution of 1 second. b) Zoom-in on 1 second of mipTOF time trace at full-time resolution of 2.5 milliseconds. Discrete spikes come from analysis of individual nanoparticles produced from striking of the lighter flint, which is composed of ferro-cerium mischmetal. c) Mass ratios of Ce/La as a function of measured La mass. Convergence of Ce:La to 2.3:1 is characteristics of composition of lighter flint material. Spread in element ratios is partly due to heterogeneity of spark-produced particles. Image Credit: TOFWERK
Specifications
mipTOF Specifications. Source: TOFWERK
| Parameter (Unit) |
Specified Values |
| Mass Resolving Power, M/ΔM at FWHM |
3000 |
| Sensitivity (cps/(μgL-1)) * |
59Co: >250
115In: >2,500
238U: >10,000 |
| Oxide formation rate, CeO+/Ce+ (%) * |
<5 |
| Doubly Charged Ions, 137Ba++/137Ba+ (%) * |
<1 |
| Background at m/Q 220 (cps) * |
<2 |
| Power Requirements (kW) |
Active: 5.5, Standby: <0.35 |
Dimensions, L x W x H (m)
Weight (kg) |
0.8 x 1.3 x 1.0
195 |
*Using liquid sample introduction with nebulizer and spray chamber and no-gas mode in collision cell
mipTOF Limits of Detection
Bulk limits of detection: 0.01-10 ng/m3 in a 30-second analysis period. Image Credit: TOFWERK
Particle-resolved absolute limits are between 0.3-60 fg. Image Credit: TOFWERK
mipTOF Hardware Design
Image Credit: TOFWERK
Field-deployable or lab-based options:
- RF Notch Filter to suppress abundant plasma-gas species
- Positive-mode, Mass Resolving Power of 3000 (M/ΔM at FWHM
- Power Consumption: Active: 5.5 kW, Standby: < 350 W
- Size: 0.8 × 1.3 × 1.9 m, ~195 kg