LDPI irradiates the sample surface with a laser to desorb target molecules into neutral particles, then ionizes them into gas-phase ions by photoionization (e.g. vacuum ultraviolet photons); the ions enter the mass analyzer through the interface. Because it does not rely on an organic matrix, the background in the low-mass region is significantly reduced.
The combination of 'laser desorption + photoionization' balances desorption localization precision with soft-ionization characteristics: the laser spot determines spatial resolution, while photoionization preserves molecular information, enabling efficient detection of small molecules under a low background.
According to Neo-Source's published materials, LDPI achieves a spatial resolution of 2–3 μm (among the leaders in the industry), operates under ambient, matrix-free conditions, can detect m/z≥70, and has reached the single-cell/subcellular scale. This combination of specifications makes it particularly suitable for low-background small-molecule imaging of drug distribution, endogenous metabolites and lipids.
Resolution and sensitivity are also affected by laser focusing, scan step size, ionization efficiency and sample condition; actual performance should be verified in combination with the specific mass spectrometer and analytical conditions. Nominal specifications are subject to the latest official release.
LDPI adopts an external modular design, with model-by-model compatibility for mainstream mass spectrometers such as Agilent, SCIEX and Thermo, allowing users to gain ambient matrix-free imaging capability while retaining their original instrument investment. Applications cover drug tissue distribution, tumor metabolic heterogeneity and microscopic localization of traditional Chinese medicine.
For teams that already own mainstream mass spectrometers and wish to conduct single-cell/subcellular scale small-molecule imaging with a relatively low investment, LDPI offers an expansion path that avoids replacing the host instrument and avoids matrix use.
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 leaders 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).