Portable Mass Spectrometer
The proposed prototype has several advantages over the existing models: Reduces production costs by eliminating requirements for a turbo/ ion pump and sizable matching networks/ amplifier circuits for filtering noise. Facilitates on-site analysis due to lower weight and robust construction. Increased reliability of the analysis due to higher resolution of the spectrometer. Cost effectiveness of the prototype increases its viability for commercial mass production and applications inteaching.
The technology can have useful applications in several areas: Biotechnology: Analysis of proteins and DNA Pharmaceuticals: Discovery of drugs, analysis of chemicals Clinical: Neonatal screening, drug testing, blood analysis Geological: Oil composition testing, mineral analysis Defense Applications: Identification of chemical warfare agents, illegaldrugs and explosive residues Environmental: Water quality testing
Stage of Development:The technology is at an early stage of development. Researchers have successfully simulated EiberΓÇÖs work in the laboratory to show marked improvement in the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) which establishes greater efficiency of the suggested device. The patent is awaited for the construction of the prototype. Additional research needs to be pursued prior to achieving commercialization of the device.Future Development:Ongoing research is being performed to test other options that can be incorporated into the technology with emphasis on maximizing mass resolution, using alternative approaches to mass-selective scanning and using alternate ion sources. In the near future, highly advanced data analysis tools will be employed to interpret the unique spectra obtained by the device. Also, a detailed database will be constructed which will be used to indicate the probability of match of the sample with the closest related compound.
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