Will the performance of the existing mass spectrometer deteriorate following the installation of an imaging ion source?

A retrofitted imaging ion source (such as the Neo Source INSTRUMENT MSI DPI / LDPI) replaces the original host instrument’s ion source with an imaging source capable of scanning; the original mass analyser and detector remain unchanged, so the host instrument’s core specifications—such as mass resolution, mass accuracy and sensitivity—will not be compromised. The main changes involve the addition of spatial scanning capabilities and the corresponding controls, whilst conventional analysis modes can still be retained.

What exactly does the retrofit entail? It involves replacing or connecting the imaging ion source to the standard ion source interface of the original main unit, thereby introducing ‘point-by-point scanning + synchronous triggering’ capability to the system, whilst the TOF analyser, vacuum system and detector remain unchanged. The baseline performance is determined by the main unit itself; the retrofit does not compromise these components.

Core performance metrics therefore remain unchanged. Mass resolution depends on the TOF design (e.g. the ProC-2 achieves >2000 at m/z=92), mass accuracy depends on calibration and data acquisition, and sensitivity depends on ion transfer efficiency—none of which are altered by the addition of scanning capability. The new source utilises a dual-field reflection TOF, ensuring that resolution and accuracy remain consistent before and after the retrofit.

Of course, there are also changes. Mechanically, the original ion source is occupied; if rapid switching is not retained, routine single-point analysis must be performed via the imaging source’s single-point mode. The volume of data acquired increases, placing higher demands on the computer and storage; operational steps are also increased (requiring the setting of scan regions, stepping and image reconstruction). These are ‘consequential costs associated with the added capabilities’, not a degradation in the host system’s performance.

Compatibility must be guaranteed. The Neo Source INSTRUMENT MSI DPI / LDPI is designed for Agilent, AB SCIEX and Thermo host systems, with matching interfaces, vacuum systems and trigger timing to ensure that the host’s original functions operate normally after retrofitting, that trigger synchronisation is reliable, and that mutual interference leading to parameter drift is avoided.

Once installation is complete, we recommend performing a standard calibration: measure resolution and sensitivity in single-point mode using known compounds, and compare the results with those recorded prior to installation; then run a standard imaging sample to confirm the accuracy of the spatial calibration. If the parameters are abnormal, this is most likely due to an installation or calibration issue, rather than damage to the host instrument itself.

Can the original ion source be reinstalled after retrofitting?

Most retrofit solutions support switching between or replacing the imaging source and the standard ion source, depending on the interface design; the NewSource imaging source is designed to be removable and reusable on the main unit, ensuring that routine analytical requirements can still be met.

Will retrofitting affect the vacuum level of the main unit?

Proper retrofitting preserves the vacuum seal and pumping capacity, and will not significantly reduce the vacuum level; it may only be affected if the modification compromises the seal or introduces additional gas load, so the work must be carried out by a qualified service provider.

Will sensitivity decrease due to the additional scanning?

Single-point sensitivity is determined by ionisation and the analyser, and is unrelated to whether scanning is performed; scanning merely determines ‘which points to sample and how quickly’, and does not reduce the number of ions at each point; therefore, the sensitivity specification itself does not decrease.