The Finnigan TSQ Quantum Ultra is the most sensitive triple quad on the market today.   The sensitivity comes from a variety of features, including:

1)      Ion Max™ source

2)      Titanium skimmer

3)      Hyberbolic quadrupoles

Introduced at Pittcon 2003, the Ion Max source is Thermo Scientific’s API source used in all of our ion trap and triple quadrupole mass spectrometers.   The source enhances the performance of the mass spectrometer by producing extremely efficient ion sampling.   The new housing also offers the following features.

The improved exhaust design eliminates the accumulation of solvents and compound carryover effects, effectively reducing the chemical background and improving the S/N ratio.  Compared to the previous generation source, the Ion Max source typically increases signal by approximately 3X, while reducing noise by 1-3X.  This combination increases the overall S/N ratio 3-9X.

Our new off-axis titanium skimmer has a larger orifice for greater ion sampling.  The hardness inherent in titanium also allows a sharper edge, which permits unperturbed sampling of the ion beam.  Finally, titanium acts as a heat sink, providing better thermal equilibrium properties that are better than stainless steel.

For optimum ion beam transmission, the Finnigan TSQ Quantum family of triple quadrupoles uses hyperbolic quads.   Hyperbolic quads or “HyperQuads” have a theoretical and actual advantage over round rods for the transmission of ions.    Hyperbolic quadrupoles permit higher ion transmission and higher sensitivity than round quadrupoles.   The Quantum also use larger quadrupoles than it’s predecessor, the TSQ 7000.  The larger Quads also permit higher ion transmission and higher sensitivity.

The Finnigan TSQ Quantum Ultra is the most sensitive triple quadrupole available today.

It simply can not be matched in the following five categories:

1)  Sensitivity

2)  Robustness

3)  Linear Dynamic Range

4)  H-SRM

5)  Xcalibur.

To be continued...

Previously in this Series:

Why the Quantum?