TOFWERK's mipTOF represents a technological revolution in environmental monitoring
This system allows the identification and quantification of trace elements and heavy metals in the atmosphere directly in the field and in real time, bypassing the long wait times associated with traditional filter sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis.
Thanks to the unique combination of a high-power plasma source and time-of-flight (TOF) technology, the instrument is capable of analyzing the chemical composition and isotope ratio of every single aerosol particle.
Technological Innovation and Unique Features
- High-Power, Eco-Friendly Plasma Source (MICAP): the heart of the system is the MICAP source (developed by RADOM Instruments), an inductively coupled, microwave-assisted atmospheric plasma. This patented technology can operate entirely with air or nitrogen, dramatically reducing operating costs compared to traditional argon systems.
- Fully Autonomous and Field-Deployable: designed for field use, the mipTOF integrates an on-site gas generation system, eliminating the need to carry heavy and dangerous compressed gas cylinders and making the instrument perfect for mobile monitoring stations or equipped vans.
- Direct and Continuous Sampling: ambient air is drawn directly into the instrument in real time. Atmospheric particulate matter is analyzed continuously and instantaneously, allowing the capture of transient pollution events or concentration peaks that would otherwise be missed.
- Extreme Sensitivity at the Single Particle Level: TOF technology offers unprecedented sensitivity, with detection limits ranging from a fraction of a femtogram for a single particle. This allows the detection of toxic metals and contaminants even at infinitesimal concentrations.
Areas of Application
- Characterization of Ultrafine Particulate Matter (PM 0.1, PM 2.5, PM 10): simultaneous particle size and chemical analysis to understand the real impact of fine and ultrafine particulate matter on public health.
- Source Apportionment: thanks to the ability to determine the chemical fingerprint and isotope ratio of individual specific particles (e.g., lead isotopes), it is possible to trace the exact source of pollution with absolute precision (e.g., vehicular traffic, industrial emissions, heating).
- Mobile Atmospheric Monitoring: can be installed on mobile laboratories for dynamic air quality mapping in urban areas, industrial sites, or near ports and airports.
Analytical Performance
mipTOF redefines the standards for speed and analytical efficiency in aerosol monitoring. The detection limits and extraordinary temporal resolution allow metal screening in just 10 seconds with a precision better than those achieved with top-of-the-line XRF (X-ray fluorescence) instruments in 30 minutes of continuous analysis.
The data collected follows strict statistical criteria (Poisson statistics), ensuring the scientific reliability necessary for environmental studies and high-level publications.