Beyond TOF, timsTOF adds ion mobility separation, which can further distinguish isobaric molecules by collision cross section beyond m/z, giving strong resolving power for complex tissues. Its high resolution and wide mass coverage fit the point-by-point full-spectrum logic of imaging.
For teams with an existing timsTOF, an external imaging source means overlaying 'mobility + high resolution + space' three-dimensional information, which is very suitable for spatial metabolism and lipid research requiring highly specific identification.
Neo-Source LDPI/DPI is model-by-model compatible with mainstream mass spectrometers including timsTOF (specifics are subject to the official compatibility list). LDPI provides ambient matrix-free, 2–3 μm small-molecule low-background imaging; DPI provides tissue-scale imaging with no polarity bias and high sensitivity (1–4 orders of magnitude higher than DESI).
Compatibility requires confirming the ion interface, mobility-TOF acquisition and scan-coordinate synchronization, and the imaging software's reconstruction of coordinate-spectrum pairs; it is recommended to confirm specific timsTOF model compatibility through official channels and validate with a small sample.
Connecting LDPI/DPI to timsTOF yields a 'mobility + high resolution' full spectrum at every pixel, giving ion images an additional collision-cross-section dimension beyond m/z, further reducing mass-overlap misjudgment and improving molecular identification of complex tissues.
For teams with an existing timsTOF who wish to expand imaging at low cost, the external Neo-Source solution avoids full-system replacement and preserves the original mobility-high-resolution workflow.
No host replacement:Modular external add-on reuses the existing Bruker timsTOF mass spectrometer, lowering imaging-upgrade cost
Matrix-free ambient:LDPI/DPI matrix-free, ambient operation compensates for OEM imaging-source sample-prep gaps
Single-cell resolution:LDPI 2–3 μm, among the leading in the industry, extends single-cell / subcellular research
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).