The mipTOF is a field-deployable TOFMS that uses a high-power microwave-induced plasma to measure metals and trace elements in the air in real-time.
Features
High-Power Plasma Source
Air or N2 gas can operate the microwave-sustained inductively coupled atmospheric plasma (MICAP, RADOM Corp.).
Field Deployable
The use of gas cylinders is eliminated by on-site gas generation.
Real-Time Sampling
Direct, real-time air sampling is used for continuous particulate analysis.
Maximum Sensitivity
Identification of elements in individual particles at detection limits ranging from atto- to femtogram.
Applications
- Air toxics
- Airborne particulate matter
- Mobile air monitoring
- Source apportionment
mipTOF Features
High Power Plasma Source
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).
Image Credit: TOFWERK
- Air or nitrogen (N2) gas sustains the plasma source (MICAP, RADOM, Corp.)
- Direct introduction of air samples into the mipTOF allows for quantitative, real-time detection at sampling rates ranging from 0.1-0.15 L/min
- Passive sampling by venturi effect: A traditional pneumatic nebulizer is used to sample air without a pump in the sample flow path
Continuous Real-Time Measurement
The mipTOF makes precise localization and tracking of metal-containing aerosols and aerosol events possible. It provides fast and sensitive mass detection of almost all particle elements, revealing variations in particle composition, which results in better source apportionment and more distinct elemental correlations.
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:
- Power Consumption: Active: 5.5 kW, Standby: < 350 W
- Size: 0.8 × 1.3 × 1.9 m, ~195 kg
- RF Notch Filter to suppress abundant plasma-gas species
- Positive-mode, Mass Resolving Power of 3000 (M/ΔM at FWHM)