Instrument development

Modern mass spectrometers for analytical applications with high sample throughput are highly sophisticated instruments that are manufactured in large numbers. The development of such systems is largely carried out by the commercial suppliers of these instruments. Nevertheless, there are also specific aspects of technical development – particularly in the field of ion sources and ionisation methods – which can be pursued in close cooperation with commercial suppliers within the university environment.

Such projects often involve adapting existing MS systems to the specific requirements of particular analytical methods. Another typical motivation for developing novel or improved system components is to incorporate findings from more fundamental research: for example, insights into ionisation mechanisms may lead to changes in the design of a specific ion source in order to optimise the ionisation process.

The technical development of MS system components forms part of the PTC’s activities. However, we do not generally develop components that are immediately suitable for industrial mass production, but rather experimental prototypes and demonstration components. These serve to test and characterise the underlying concepts. The further development of such components to a stage of production readiness, allowing for easy integration into commercial instruments for end users, is normally carried out by industrial partners.

In specific applications, however, components designed by the PTC – ranging right up to complete mass spectrometric sensor systems – are used by industrial partners in analytical applications, for example to monitor complex chemical conditions in industrial manufacturing processes.