The OptiMass 9500 is an ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer) designed for precise analysis of chemical compounds and isotopes in a variety of sample types. Using an inductively coupled plasma system, it enables accurate and sensitive analysis of materials.
Key Features:
Advanced Technology – Employs inductively coupled plasma for precise ion and particle analysis.
High Sensitivity – Capable of detecting trace amounts of various elements.
Interference Management – Engineered to minimize ion interferences in mass spectrometry.
Wide Applications – Suitable for industries such as biology, pharmaceuticals, geology, and chemistry.
Compared to earlier models, the OptiMass 9500 offers superior accuracy and faster data processing.
Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
As the second generation of benchtop ICP-TOFMS instruments, the OptiMass 9500 delivers a new level of elemental analysis performance while overcoming the main limitations of quadrupole-based ICP-MS systems. Detection limits comparable to quadrupole devices for atomic masses from 1 to 260 u can be achieved in just a few seconds. This intrinsic speed enables the analysis of a larger number of samples using standard sample introduction systems.
From a hardware perspective, these improvements result in reduced maintenance requirements, more stable plasma operation, enhanced sample introduction capabilities, and improved sequencing performance.
Software Advancements
The OptiMass 9500 includes numerous new software features. A newly introduced automatic optimization function allows the software to adjust instrument parameters to achieve optimal sensitivity. The software also includes a powerful semi-quantitative mode, which uses factory-defined Relative Sensitivity Factors (RSFs) to estimate detector response relative to unknown analyte concentrations. The simultaneous nature of OptiMass 9500 enables both real-time and retrospective semi-quantitative analysis.
Fingerprinting and Forensics
In comparative studies such as forensic science, the new Fingerprinting software proves to be highly valuable. This analytical mode compares scans to assess their similarity, using statistical comparison of experimental spectra with known material spectra. It supports comparisons between a Standard Reference Material (SRM) and an unknown sample or between crime scene evidence and samples collected from a suspect’s residence, vehicle, or personal belongings. Proper sampling protocols must be established before this analysis. Once prepared, the OptiMass 9500 delivers rapid multi-elemental analysis by capturing complete spectral data. Combined with the powerful Fingerprinting 9500 statistical software, it forms a complete package for comparative analysis. The true simultaneous multi-element capability of the TOF technology ensures no data is lost, especially with small-volume samples often found at crime scenes.
High Data Acquisition Rate
The instrument’s high-speed data acquisition allows sampling of transient signals produced by techniques such as single-shot laser ablation, electrothermal vaporization, or flow injection, at rates up to 30,000 times per second, producing 50 fully integrated mass spectra per second. This capability opens up a wide range of applications previously limited by the sequential and slower nature of quadrupole or magnetic sector mass spectrometers.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| RF Generator | Solid-state generator with a frequency of 27.12 MHz Computer-controlled from 500 W to 1500 W with auto-tuning Automatic ignition via software |
| Sample Introduction | Nebulizer and spray chamber Concentric glass nebulizer with glass spray chamber and thermostatic jacket |
| Torch | One-piece quartz torch with low flow and power |
| Argon Flows | Separate gas flows controlled by computer Mass flow control on all gas lines Total argon flow typically less than 12 L/min |
| Peristaltic Pump | 4-channel, 12-roller pump controlled by computer Speed range: 0–60 rpm Automatic fast pump setting for rapid washout |
| Mass Analyzer & Detector | Orthogonal Acceleration Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (TOF-MS) Mass range: 1 to 260 atomic mass units Ion extraction speed: over 30,000 full spectra per second Detection range: parts per trillion Typical resolution: ≥1200 for 238U or 0.4 amu |
Key Features:
Low operating cost
Low argon consumption
Unique retrospective semi-quantitative analysis (RSQ) – Each analysis includes data for all masses, and OptiMass continuously collects data across the entire mass range (1 to 260 amu). Using the RSQ feature, this data remains available for post-analysis quantification of previously uncalibrated masses.
Multielement spectral fingerprinting capability – Ideal for forensic science applications
True simultaneous multielement capability – The time-of-flight technology in OptiMass ensures complete data acquisition from small sample volumes, such as those commonly found at crime scenes
Laser Ablation-ICP-MS system – A flexible and user-friendly option for fast multielement analysis of solid samples
