Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. The basic principle involves ionizing the components of a sample in an ion source to produce charged ions with different mass-to-charge ratios. These ions are then accelerated into an ion beam by an electric field and enter a mass analyzer, ultimately producing a mass spectrum. Lasers are primarily used for ionizing substances. There are various types of mass spectrometers, including Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), which is mainly used for microbial identification, nucleic acid identification, glycated hemoglobin quantification, and other virus identifications.

Beamtech’s Locmar series lasers are primarily used for MALDI-TOF MS, emitting hundreds of microjoules of 355 nm UV pulsed laser that matches the absorption wavelengths of common matrices.

The Locmar series consists of dioded-pumped solid-state lasers, offering lifetime maintenance-free operation compared to nitrogen lasers. Their compact design and higher repetition rate make solid-state lasers stand out for high-end applications such as mass spectrometry imaging.

The Locmar series features the integrated design of the laser head, power supply, and cooling system, with built-in energy detection, motorized attenuator, and fiber coupling (or beam expansion unit), making it an ideal light source for MALDI-TOFMS equipment manufacturers.