Single Quadrupole LC-MS

High-Speed Scan and Data Acquisition (UFscanning)

Shimadzu’s single quadrupole systems utilize Ultra-Fast (UF) technology to achieve high-speed scanning across a wide mass range. Technically, this allows the instrument to capture a sufficient number of data points even for the narrowest peaks produced by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). This high-speed acquisition ensures that neither sensitivity nor mass accuracy is compromised during rapid screening, providing a detailed mass profile for every eluting component in a complex mixture.

Dual Ion Source (DUIS) Capability

For laboratories analyzing a diverse range of chemical species, Shimadzu offers the Dual Ion Source (DUIS) capability. Technically, this allows for simultaneous Electrospray Ionization (ESI) and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI) within a single run. This ensures that both polar and non-polar compounds are ionized effectively without the need to switch hardware, significantly expanding the scope of the analysis and improving laboratory throughput for unknown sample screening.

"Mass-it" Automatic Mass Information Labeling

The "Mass-it" feature is a technical software innovation that simplifies data interpretation. It automatically identifies the mass-to-charge ratio of the main component in a chromatographic peak and labels it directly on the UV chromatogram. This functionality allows researchers to confirm the identity of a target molecule or identify impurities instantly without having to manually extract and analyze individual mass spectra, streamlining the qualitative assessment process.

Tool-Free Maintenance and Desolvation Line (DL)

To maximize instrument uptime, the single quadrupole systems are designed for easy maintenance. The desolvation line (DL), which introduces ions into the vacuum system, can be replaced without breaking the vacuum. This technical design allows users to perform routine cleaning or replacement of critical components in minutes, ensuring that the system is quickly returned to operation. This "tool-free" approach is essential for high-traffic laboratories where maintenance speed is critical.

Seamless Integration as an LC Detector

Technically, Shimadzu treats the single quadrupole mass spectrometer as a seamless extension of the LC stack. The instrument is controlled through the same software interface used for HPLC modules, such as pumps and autosamplers. This means that parameters for mass detection—such as capillary voltage and drying gas flow—are saved within the chromatography method, ensuring that analytical conditions are fully reproducible and documented in a single file.

Enhanced Sensitivity with High-Efficiency Ion Optics

The internal ion optics are engineered to focus the ion beam with high precision as it travels toward the quadrupole analyzer. By utilizing specialized octopole ion guides and focusing lenses, the system minimizes ion loss and reduces background noise. This technical refinement allows for high sensitivity in both Scan and SIM (Selected Ion Monitoring) modes, making the system suitable for the quantitative analysis of trace-level components in environmental or food safety applications.

Compact and Space-Saving Design

Space is often at a premium in modern laboratories, and Shimadzu addresses this through an exceptionally compact design. The single quadrupole MS unit is engineered to be no wider than a standard LC pump or autosampler. This allows it to be stacked directly with the chromatography modules or placed on a benchtop without requiring a separate, large table. Despite its size, it maintains a robust vacuum system and all the analytical power of a full-sized mass spectrometer.

Robustness for Complex Sample Matrices

The ion source and interface are technically designed to handle "dirty" or complex sample matrices, such as those derived from biological fluids or food extracts. The heated ESI probe and specialized gas flow dynamics ensure efficient desolvation, which prevents the accumulation of non-volatile residues on the ion optics. This robustness ensures long-term stability in signal intensity and reduces the frequency of deep-cleaning cycles, even during continuous 24/7 operation.

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