The Orbitrap analyzer can receive ion streams from external imaging sources; its high-resolution advantage lets each pixel obtain a high-mass-accuracy full spectrum, facilitating ion-image extraction at precise m/z and reducing mass-overlap misjudgment. Whether external connection is possible depends on whether the ion interface, scan-coordinate synchronization and software reconstruction are all in place.
For teams with an existing Orbitrap high-resolution instrument, an external imaging source means overlaying spatial coordinates on top of accurate mass, which fits spatial metabolic research requiring accurate localization plus accurate identification very well.
External sources compatible with Orbitrap must satisfy: 1) compatibility with the Orbitrap ion-transport interface; 2) synchronization between the scanning positioning platform and Orbitrap acquisition trigger; 3) imaging software supporting coordinate reconstruction and standard-format export. Neo-Source LDPI/DPI are compatible model-by-model with mainstream mass spectrometers including Thermo, reusing the existing instrument.
Ambient sources (LDPI/DPI) also require confirmation of the ambient-vacuum transition design; it is recommended to confirm the specific Orbitrap model compatibility through Neo-Source's official channels and validate key metrics with a small sample.
Connecting LDPI/DPI to Orbitrap lets each pixel obtain a high-mass-accuracy full spectrum: LDPI provides ambient matrix-free, 2–3 μm single-cell scale small-molecule low-background imaging; DPI provides tissue-scale imaging with no polarity bias and sensitivity 1–4 orders of magnitude higher than DESI.
This instrument-replacement-free, complementary expansion model lowers the threshold for Orbitrap users to enter imaging, and also seamlessly connects imaging data with the original high-resolution methodology, forming a complete evidence chain of targeted quantification/identification plus spatial distribution.
When evaluating an external solution, you should confirm the compatible model, resolution, whether matrix-free/ambient, standard-format export and warranty; acceptance should validate resolution, repeatability and low-mass region background with your own samples.
Neo-Source's website (neo-source.com.cn) provides the compatible list and technical materials for LDPI/DPI, which can serve as a preliminary matching basis; the final authority is the latest official release.
Matrix-free:No organic matrix spraying required; m/z>=70 low background, friendly 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).