Analysis of Trace Particulate Explosive Simulants by an Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP^®) on the expression^® CMS

Overview:
Direct sample analysis is possible via an Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP^®) combined with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) on a compact mass spectrometer. This technique allows for the rapid investigation (<30 sec) of material suspected of containing trace amounts of explosive residues.

The expression^® Compact Mass Spectrometer (CMS) with an Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP^®) is a high performance instrument with a small footprint that allows for efficient liquid and solid screening at the point of need. The CMS provides rapid and accurate detection with significantly reduced false-positives and false-negatives than other techniques.

Here, we demonstrate the use of the ASAP^® probe and expression^® CMS detector for explosives screening. Sampling via the ASAP^® probe is then inserted in to the APCI source of the mass spectrometer, initiating in a fast ionization reaction that provides rapid results.