Ion Microscope Imaging Mass Spectrometry Using a Timepix3-Based Optical Camera

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Microscopy
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• High-throughput mass spectrometry imaging requires precise detector timing to resolve complex mass spectra.
• Existing systems often need external, costly time-to-digital converters (TDCs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new ion microscope mass spectrometer with enhanced timing resolution.
• To demonstrate a cost-effective readout system for mass spectrometry imaging.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Timepix3 hybrid pixel readout for optimal 1.56 ns timing resolution.
• Implemented a novel triggering technique to eliminate the need for an external TDC.
• Applied multimass imaging sensors for high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging.

Main Results:

• Achieved high mass resolution in spectrometry imaging.
• Demonstrated the system's effectiveness using rhodamine B samples.
• Showcased a low-cost, commercially available readout system.

Conclusions:

• The developed ion microscope enables high-throughput, high-mass-resolution imaging.
• The novel triggering technique simplifies the experimental setup and reduces costs.
• Multimass imaging sensors are effective for advanced microscopy mass spectrometry.