OrbiSIMS analysis is conducted on our hybrid-SIMS instrument (IONTOF), a time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (ToF-SIMS) with hybrid OrbiTrapTM functionality. The instrument combines the function of the two hybridised components to facilitate an unprecedented level of mass spectral molecular analysis for a range of materials (hard and soft matter, biological cells and tissues). The dual functionality of this hybrid system underpins spatial and mass resolution improvements in chemical identification and imaging that revolutionize mass spectrometry imaging. Most notably the capacity to identify unknown organic species in complex solid samples is dramatically improved.

Importantly, the facility is complemented by high pressure freezing cryo-preparation facilities that enable biological samples to be maintained close to their native state. Complemented by the more commonly applied (but more disruptive) freeze drying and sample fixation the OrbiSIMS facility is ideally targeted at soft matter analyses and enables label free molecular analysis. However, when the exceptional surface sensitivity (1-3 nm) and high mass/spatial resolution are combined with a depth profiling sputtering beam, the instrument becomes an extremely powerful tool for 3D chemical analysis on a multitude of sample types.