GC/TOFMS Field Chemical Analyzer

In this SBIR Phase I project we will demonstrate a field-portable chemical analyzer based on a SPME interface to a compact GC/MS system. Syagen has pioneered photoionization mass spectrometry (PI MS) and will use its field-portable PI/QitTof MS as thebaseline detector. This system will be modified to meet the requirements of this topic in the following ways: (1) redesigning inlet to accommodate SPME samples, (2) integrating and optimizing a flash GC subassembly, (3) constructing and implementing a dualPI/EI source, (4) developing SPME and direct sampling strategies. The end result of this research will be a feasibility demonstration and definition of a system that will significantly outperform competitive systems with regard to multiple compounddetection, sensitivity, speed, and accuracy. Automated field portable detection systems with benchtop performance will have numerous applications, particularly if it combines chemical weapons, drugs, and other illicit chemical detection capabilities.Specific applications include: (1) rapid response alarm monitor for terrorist acts, (2) force protection, (3) preventive medicine, (4) treaty compliance monitoring, (5) general environmental monitoring.