Low Temperature Plasma Ion Source Electrode Optimisation and Performance Characterisation

这项创新展示了一种新方法，可以直接从表面检测感兴趣物质的痕量，并通过质谱仪进行分析。质谱仪可以通过其质量可靠地识别化合物。使用质谱法分析痕量物质是最可靠、最具前瞻性的方法，适用于广泛的分析化学研究和开发应用，并直接应用于法医调查和公共安全领域。这一创新的早期原型已成功地证明了对滥用药物和爆炸物的检测。将这一创新与质谱仪相结合，可以实现具有高灵敏度和置信度的快速筛查方法。这项创新可以快速分析大表面积，如拭子，比其他现有技术快得多。此外，与现有技术不同的是，这项创新不需要溶剂或昂贵的气体，从而减少了对环境的影响并提高了实验室的吞吐量。该创新非常适合分析化学应用中的物质快速分析，也可以应用于交通枢纽和拥挤场所的安全保护。

This innovation demonstrates a new method to detect traces of substances of interest directly from a surface for analysis by a Mass Spectrometer. A mass spectrometer can confidently identify a compound by its mass.Analysing trace substances using mass spectrometry is the most reliable, future-proof method for a wide range of analytical chemistry research and development applications as well as finding direct application in the field of forensic investigations and public safety. The detection of drugs of abuse and explosives has been successfully demonstrated with earlier prototypes of this innovation.Coupling this innovation with a mass spectrometer allows for a rapid screening method that has high sensitivity and confidence. This innovation can rapidly analyse a large surface area, such as a swab, much faster than other comparable existing technologies. Additionally, unlike existing technology, this innovation does not require solvents or expensive gases which reduce the environmental impact and increases laboratory throughput.Ideal for the rapid analysis of substances in analytical chemistry applications, the innovation could also be applied to the protection of transportation hubs and crowded places for security purposes.