Development of an Instrument for the Real-Time (One Second) Detection of Trace-Level Harmful Substances under Ambient Pressure by High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Using Vacuum Ultraviolet Light Photoionization

Abstract

Development of a real-time and high-resolution detection system for inspection of trace-level harmful substances at airports or stations is strongly required. A rapid sampling method and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry with high-resolution have been studied to enable 1 s detection. In order to get a high-resolution, the multi-turn type time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) was selected. The maximum mass resolution of 6,500 was attained for benzene molecular ion (m/z 78) generated by VUV light photoionization. In order to evaluate sensitivity of the real-time detection, trace-level 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMNB) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP) on stainless steel sheets were examined. Consequently DMNB was successfully detected within 1 s and the detection limit was 0.04 μg. Also TATP was successfully detected within 1 s and the detection limit was 0.2 μg.