The TOFWERK IMS-TOF enables reproducible determination of accurate and precise drift times and collision cross sections with RSD < 0.1 %
Ion mobility measurements are used to derive collision cross sections (CCS) of ions. These CCS are starting to be commonly used as additional molecular identifiers in combination with accurate mass, fragmentation pattern and LC retention time. In contrast to retention times, CCS are molecular properties that can be derived from first principles and therefore more robust and free from matrix interference. Yet, CCS are only useful if they can be determined accurately, precisely and reproducibly.
In order to determine accurate and precise ion mobility drift times and therefore CCS, the use of high resolution drift-tube IMS-MS has clear advantages over low resolution drift-tube or traveling wave instruments. The high IMS resolution enhances accuracy through exact determination of peak positions, whereas the drift-tube design provides the unique capability to directly calculate the CCS from ion mobility drift times. Note that this direct calculation only results in precise values under low-field ion mobility conditions (< 2 Td) – the TOFWERK IMSTOF is the only commercial instrument fulfilling these criteria. Additionally, only the TOFWERK IMS-TOF allows precise control of all relevant variables such as IMS potential, pressure and temperature.
