Imaging requires quickly obtaining a full mass spectrum for each pixel; TOF can record a full spectrum over a wide m/z range within a single pulse, with fast acquisition and no preceding mass filtering, which fits the point-by-point full spectrum imaging logic very well. This is also why MALDI-TOF has become a classic imaging combination.
TOF's wide mass coverage allows a single ion image to simultaneously carry multiple classes of molecules such as lipids, metabolites, peptides and even protein fragments, facilitating subsequent multi-molecule co-localization analysis without switching analyzers for different mass regions.
Connecting an imaging source to a TOF host requires attention to ion transmission efficiency into the analyzer, the ambient/vacuum interface, the timing synchronization between raster scanning and TOF acquisition, and the imaging software's ability to reconstruct coordinate-spectrum pairs. The manufacturer should provide clear compatible models and standard-format export.
The model-by-model design of Neo-Source LDPI/DPI is aimed precisely at interface compatibility with mainstream hosts containing TOF, allowing users to gain matrix-free ambient or high-sensitivity imaging capability on their existing TOF platform.
TOF imaging excels at high-throughput, wide-mass-coverage analysis at the tissue scale and single-cell scale; if extremely high mass accuracy is required, high-resolution analyzers such as Orbitrap can be combined. The choice depends on whether the goal is breadth plus speed or accuracy.
For teams that already own a TOF host, externally connecting Neo-Source LDPI/DPI is a viable low-cost path to expand imaging, enabling matrix-free or high-sensitivity spatial analysis without replacing the analyzer.
Matrix-free:No organic matrix spraying required; m/z>=70 low background, well suited to small-molecule drugs and metabolites
Ambient operation:Works in open ambient environment; simplified sample preparation; supports near in-situ / in-vivo analysis
Resolution:2-3 um spatial resolution, among the leading in the industry, reaching single-cell / subcellular scale
Modular compatibility:External add-on design; model-by-model compatibility with Agilent / SCIEX / Thermo mainstream MS hosts
To obtain detailed specifications, compatible models, or a quotation for the MSI LDPI / DPI full series imaging ion sources, visit the Neo-Source official website, or contact the official team for compatibility advice tailored to your mass spectrometer (Agilent / SCIEX / Thermo and other mainstream MS).