<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 12th January 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by <strong>Agilent Technologies</strong>, <strong>Shimadzu, </strong>and<strong> Waters Corporation and brochure by Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Detecting Spice Adulteration with the </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8700+LDIR"><strong>Agilent 8700 LDIR</strong></a><strong> Chemical Imaging System</strong></h3><p><strong>Accelerating adulterant detection in turmeric with IR spectroscopy and imaging&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_spice_adulteration_8700_ldir_5994_8800en_agilent_235b48c7e6.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Spices are essential components of culinary practices worldwide, valued for their flavor, aroma, and health benefits. However, the intentional or accidental adulteration of spices with cheaper or foreign substances poses significant risks to both food quality and consumer safety. Adulteration practices often aim to increase product volume, enhance visual appeal, or mimic authentic flavors, compromising the integrity of the final product.<sup>1</sup></p><p>Common adulteration practices include substituting genuine plant materials with cheaper or visually similar ones, using inferior plant species or parts, and mixing with fillers such as corn starch, bran, or sawdust. Some products are also adulterated with chemicals to enhance flavor, inorganic substances such as sand, chalk, or red brick powder, or illegal dyes such as Sudan dyes and rhodamine B to intensify&nbsp;color.<sup>1–4&nbsp;</sup></p><p>Current tools for detecting adulteration in herbs and spices face several challenges. Sampling across complex supply chains often lacks consistency, making it difficult to obtain representative samples.<sup>5</sup> The chemical and physical complexity of sample matrices, combined with natural variation among species and origins, complicates data interpretation.<sup>5</sup>&nbsp;</p><p>In&nbsp;ground or powdered spices, the original plant structures are lost, making it difficult to visually or morphologically identify adulterants, particularly when they are fine or physically similar to the genuine&nbsp;material.<sup>6</sup> An <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8700+LDIR"><strong>Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging system</strong></a> (Figure&nbsp;1) was used in this study to detect spice adulteration through the integration of infrared spectroscopy and&nbsp;microscopy</p><h4><strong>Experimental&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Agilent Clarity software: To evaluate the 8700 LDIR's capability in distinguishing genuine spices from common adulterants, a series of pure and adulterated samples were prepared and analyzed using the system's automated Particle Analysis (PA) workflow.</p><h4><strong>Results and discussion&nbsp;</strong></h4><h5><strong>Identification of pure spices (turmeric)&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>To verify the 8700 LDIR and the user&nbsp;generated library in identifying particles of varying sizes, shapes, and counts, the pure turmeric sample was analyzed as an "unknown". Turmeric sample identification demonstrated high spectral matching accuracy. Within the selected analysis area, 74&nbsp;particles were detected and 70&nbsp;particles (94.6%) were matched to the turmeric reference spectra in the custom library. Notably, 64 particles achieved Hit Quality Index (HQI) values exceeding 0.8, indicating strong spectral correlation and high confidence in the identification data (Figure 2).</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>This study demonstrates the suitability of the Agilent 8700 LDIR chemical imaging system with Agilent Clarity software as an effective tool for detecting adulteration in ground spices. Using the automated Particle Analysis (PA) workflow, the system quickly and reliably distinguished turmeric from both organic (corn starch) and inorganic (sand) adulterants based on their distinct IR spectral signatures.&nbsp;</p><p>Differentiating between chemically similar spices remains challenging due to overlapping IR profiles. However, the 8700 LDIR system's ability to build custom spectral libraries offers flexibility for targeted authentication, allowing laboratories to adapt the system to their evolving analytical needs.&nbsp;</p><p>A key advantage of the 8700 LDIR method is the speed and simplicity of sample preparation—dry powders can be analyzed directly on low-e slides without solvents or extraction. By combining the high-throughput automated PA workflow with integrated imaging, the 8700 LDIR provides a practical, time-saving solution for routine analysis in food testing&nbsp;laboratories.</p><h3><strong>2. Shimadzu: Observation of the Automotive Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery “4680” Using a Micro-Focus X-ray CT System</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01060_en_5e744626ad.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>User Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li>The internal structure of the “4680” cylindrical lithium-ion battery for automotive use, which is a market trend, can be observed nondestructively.&nbsp;</li><li>Electrode placement and bonding condition can be verified, which is useful for product quality inspection.</li></ul><p>In recent years, with the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), the development of high-performance, low-cost automotive batteries has become an urgent priority. Among these, the cylindrical lithium-ion battery “4680” has attracted particular attention. Compared with the conventional “2170,” the “4680” is larger, and its energy density per cell is increased, thereby extending vehicle range. In addition, the adoption of a tab-less structure reduces internal resistance, improving charge/discharge efficiency and thermal management performance, while simplification of the manufacturing process is expected to reduce cost. Owing to these characteristics, the “4680” is drawing attention across both industry and academia as a core technology for next-generation EVs. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are always subject to concerns about the risk of ignition and explosion due to internal short circuits or foreign matter inclusion. Because X-ray CT enables nondestructive testing (NDT) with three-dimensional visualization of internal structures, it is possible to detect fine defects such as electrode misalignment, separator damage, and foreign matter inclusion.&nbsp;</p><p>This article introduces a case study in which the cylindrical lithium-ion battery “4680” for automotive applications was observed using the microfocus <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=inspeXio+7000"><strong>X-ray CT system inspeXio 7000</strong></a> (Fig. 1).</p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>We presented a case study of imaging the cylindrical lithium-ion battery “4680” using a microfocus X-ray CT system. By nondestructively visualizing its three-dimensional structure, it is possible to obtain important information on the battery’s internal structure, such as the arrangement of electrodes and their bonding state. Thus, X-ray CT is shown to be a powerful tool that contributesto the advancement of battery technology.</p><h3><strong>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: MarqMetrix All-In-One X Process Raman Analyzer</strong></h3><p><strong>Enabling accurate, real-time results for process monitoring in hazardous locations</strong></p><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/marqmetrix_all_in_one_x_process_raman_analyzer_ds1339_en_c1739807d2.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2208"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ MarqMetrix™ All-In-One X Process Raman Analyzer </strong></a>is a compact, portable spectrometer designed for fast deployment and ease of use. Built for industries where rapid time-to-results is critical, it is designed to be intrinsically and inherently safe for operation within hazardous locations, in such applications as:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Midstream and downstream oil &amp; gas operations&nbsp;</li><li>Chemical and polymer applications&nbsp;</li><li>Pharmaceutical development and manufacturing</li></ul><h4><strong>The MarqMetrix All-In-One X Analyzer offers multiple operational advantages:&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Analysis without sample preparation, delivering Raman spectral results in real time&nbsp;</li><li>Easy setup and deployment by non-spectroscopists&nbsp;</li><li>Intrinsically and inherently safe optical power to robust probes, which can be deployed in hazardous locations: up to ATEX Zone 0 (Europe &amp; Middle East), IECEx (Asia), and Class 1 Div 1 (North America)&nbsp;</li><li>Nondestructive workflows to protect precious samples&nbsp;</li><li>A small footprint for convenient deployment&nbsp;</li><li>Factory calibration for hardware stability and portability&nbsp;</li></ul><p>The MarqMetrix All-In-One X Process Raman Analyzer is designed for out-of-the-box use, enabling you to be ready in less than 15 minutes to collect highly accurate Raman measurements. Pack this analyzer in a protective case and take it to the point of need; its factory calibration ensures continuous and precise analysis on the go. Easily integrate the MarqMetrix All-In-One X Process Raman Analyzer into your existing process without the need for costly technical expertise. Once implemented, the analyzer enables operators in hazardous locations to make faster, safer, and smarter decisions by delivering real-time compositional insights directly on site.</p><h3><strong>4. Waters Corporation: Residual Dynabeads Detection with </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2190"><strong>Aura+</strong></a></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/720009096_en_aeb7e4288f.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Autologous cell therapies have seen explosive growth as evidenced by the recent landmark FDA approvals of two CAR-T cell therapies, Yescarta® and Kymriah®. <sup>1</sup> Dynabeads™ are commonly used in cell therapy manufacturing process to expand and activate CAR-T cells.<sup>2</sup> CD3/CD28 Dynabeads specifically are one of the leading approved GMP expression beads for T cell therapies and are key to achieving the potency required of these novel medicines. Dynabeads are also efficiently removed from the final product to ensure final purity. However, residual CD3/CD28 beads present a significant risk patients’ safety and therefore are generally kept below a widely accepted but not yet regulatory controlled limit of 100 residual beads per 3,000,000 cells.<sup>3–4&nbsp;</sup></p><p>Residual bead analysis is currently performed with manual hemocytometry that uses light microscopy and manual counting. However, manual hemocytometry is prone to human error, which leads to significant bead undercounting because it is incredibly difficult to find and differentiate between Dynabeads and cells in a sample, making residual bead counting one of the most challenging cell therapy lot release assays. Other traditional cell and subvisible analysis tools, including flow cytometers, also undercount beads and cannot differentiate residual Dynabeads from cells and other subvisible particles.&nbsp;</p><p>In this technical note, we show step-by-step how Aura CL and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2190"><strong>Aura+</strong></a> enable fast, accurate, sensitive, and specific residual Dynabead detection in a concentrated cell therapy product. Powered by backgrounded membrane imaging (BMI) to characterize the entire cell therapy particle population and side illumination membrane imaging (SIMI) to specifically detect Dynabeads, Aura® CL and Aura®+ are the first and only tailored solutions to find and count these hard to detect contaminants.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Analysis of the cell therapy sample on Aura CL or Aura+ begins with the BMI well image, where sharp contrast, high resolution optics provide the landscape to count and size all the particles in your cell therapy product. SIMI imaging, which is run at the same time as BMI, enables the differentiation of biologic vs. non-biologic particles which is essential to this application. Figures 2 and 3 capture how BMI detects all particles present in a cell therapy sample, while SIMI mode selects for particles of higher refractive index contrast. In BMI mode, cells, Dynabeads, and mixtures of the two were all easily visible. However, in SIMI mode, only the residual Dynabeads were detected both in the standard high-throughput 4x mode and in the 10x high magnification mode. This is essential for specific detection of residual Dynabeads given their low abundance in a highly concentrated cell sample as shown in Figure 4. We determined that the limit of quantitation (LOQ) of Dynabeads is &lt;1 bead/well (or 18 beads/mL of sample), well below the hemacytometer residual bead detection rate of 1 bead per 10,000 cells. Additionally, the bead counts in our dilution series exhibited a linear relationship, measuring an R2 of 0.98. Using Aura CL or Aura+ for residual Dynabead detection provides greater accuracy and higher-throughput in counting compared to the cumbersome and error prone currently used methods. Resolving false positive counts can be easily rectified by measuring the particles at higher magnification, where single Dynabeads identity can be confirmed by size. Aura CL and Aura+ deliver the only automated way of measuring single Dynabeads in concentrated cell therapy solutions, while also offering built in orthogonal confirmation through various objectives and light sources.</p>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 03, 2026

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 2nd February 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by <strong>Agilent Technologies</strong>, <strong>Metrohm,</strong> <strong>Shimadzu </strong>and<strong> Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: High Precision Analysis of Major Components in Precious Metals by ICP-OES</strong></h3><p><strong>Determination of major components in jewelry alloys by ICP-OES and standard bracketing per ISO methods</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_precious_metals_standard_bracketing_5800_icp_oes_5994_8849en_agilent_5260c9c8be.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Accurate quantification of major components in precious metal alloys can be challenging due to high precision and accuracy requirements, often to stringent industry-specific standards. This challenge is particularly relevant for the precious metals industry, where the stoichiometric composition and purity of metal alloys define both product quality and commercial value. A technique for high-precision measurements developed specifically for the precious metals industry is standard bracketing. As described in ISO methods 11494 and 11495 for ICP-OES analysis,<sup>1,2</sup> this technique employs standard–sample–standard sequencing, which improves control over instrumental fluctuations and matrix effects, ensuring high levels of accuracy and precision.</p><p>Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is a powerful technique that is often used to analyze trace impurities in a broad range of samples. Both the Agilent 5800 and 5900 ICP-OES instruments are inherently precise, as discussed elsewhere.<sup>3</sup> However, precision is further improved when the instruments are operated with the ISO-compliant standard bracketing feature within the Agilent ICP Expert Pro software version 7.8 onwards. The software provides additional useful features for jewelry assaying, catalyst refining, and material recycling. These functions include built-in automated result summarization, reporting in fineness (‰), karat (k), or concentration units, and processing tools specifically for determining major components and purity analysis. Standard bracketing is also applicable to other demanding applications, such as semiconductors, fertilizers, and the emerging battery materials sector.&nbsp;</p><p>In this study, the Agilent 5800 Vertical Dual View (VDV) ICP-OES with Agilent SPS 4 autosampler and ICP Expert 7.8 Pro software4 was used to determine the purity of gold (Au), palladium (Pd), and platinum (Pt) in three precious metal alloys. The analytical procedure was in accordance with ISO methods 11494 and 11495.</p><h4><strong>Experimental&nbsp;</strong></h4><h5><strong>Instrumentation&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=5800+VDV+ICP-OES"><strong>Agilent 5800 VDV ICP-OES</strong></a> was configured with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=SPS+4+autosampler"><strong>Agilent SPS 4 autosampler</strong></a>, which provided automated sample delivery to the instrument (Figure 1). The 5800 ICP-OES was equipped with a SeaSpray nebulizer, double-pass cyclonic spray chamber, and Agilent one-piece VDV torch with a 1.8 mm internal diameter (id) injector. All components were controlled by Agilent ICP Expert Pro* 7.8 software. Instrument operating parameters are listed in Table 1.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>This application demonstrates the effectiveness of highprecision standard bracketing calibration for the quantification of major components in gold, palladium, and platinum alloys using the Agilent 5800 VDV ICP-OES.&nbsp;</p><p>By employing gravimetrically prepared standards and integrating internal standard correction, the method improves analytical precision (RSD) more than threefold compared to conventional external calibration. It also reduces sample-tosample fluctuations, resulting in a 400× improvement in RPD values between duplicate measurements.&nbsp;</p><p>The high precision and reproducibility of the standard bracketing method enable accurate assaying of precious‑metal samples, making it ideal for quality control of high‑value materials where composition control is often required within ±0.1%.&nbsp;</p><p>The latest version of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=+ICP+Expert+Pro+software"><strong>Agilent ICP Expert Pro software</strong></a> facilitates the standard bracketing method and includes tools for in-worksheet calculations and custom result displays. This approach simplifies metal-alloy purity testing, enables direct interpretation of sample purity in industry-standard terms, and provides confident, traceable quantification in accordance with ISO methods.&nbsp;</p><p>The method is useful in other applications that require tight composition control, such as battery materials, catalysts, semiconductors, and fertilizers.</p><h3><strong>2. Metrohm: Biodiesel content in diesel with nearinfrared spectroscopy</strong></h3><p><strong>Monitor the fuel blending process within seconds</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_nir_126_download_800056c376.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>The properties of biodiesel fuel, which is produced from vegetable oils or animal fat, are very similar to petroleum-derived diesel, but biodiesel pollutes less. In most countries the common biodiesel blend is B20, which ranges from 6% to 20% biodiesel content. Measuring the biodiesel content in diesel is important, as higher levels can cause deposits in older diesel engines, clogging the fuel filters and pumps. Fuels with high levels of biodiesel also tend to absorb more moisture compared to petroleum-derived fuels. With near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), the biodiesel content is determined in seconds without any sample preparation. Compared to other test methods like those used in ASTM D7467, biodiesel content analysis with NIR spectroscopy saves time and enables the implementation of online process monitoring with fiber optics.</p><h4><strong>EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Twenty-one diesel samples with varying biodiesel content from 0% to 20% were measured on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=220&amp;search=OMNIS+NIR"><strong>OMNIS NIR Analyzer</strong></a> Liquid (Figure 1) in transmission mode (1000–2250 nm) using 8 mm disposable vials. The vial temperature was set and monitored at 30 °C with the built-in vial sensor to ensure consistent measurement performance. OMNIS Software was used for all data acquisition and prediction model development.</p><h4><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></h4><p>This Application Note shows the results of a biodiesel content analysis test without the need for any sample preparation, using near-infrared spectroscopy in place of other more time-intensive analytical techniques. This ultimately leads to a reduction in workload and the related costs. Alongside the biodiesel content test, additional fuel quality parameters like cetane number, moisture, or flash point can be determined with NIRS.</p><h3><strong>3. Shimadzu: Quantitative Analysis of Lead (Pb) and Arsenic (As) in Cosmetic Raw Material Powders</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00965_en_dc464e4caa.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>User Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li>&nbsp;With simple sample preparation, lead and arsenic in cosmetic raw material powder can be quantified simultaneously.</li><li>Increased X-ray tube output and optimized optical design have improved sensitivity for heavy elements.</li><li>Continuous analysis of up to 48 samples is possible, improving analysis throughput.</li></ul><p>The management of lead and arsenic contained in cosmetics raw materials is important for protecting people's health. Although colorimetric methods have been used for these analyses, there is a growing need for trace control due to tighter regulations in recent years, leading to a consideration of a shift to instrumental methods that enable quantification. Candidates for instrumental methods include ICP optical emission spectrometry/mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. While the former method is highly sensitive, powder and solid samples need to be dissolved in an acid such as nitric acid or hydrochloric acid. In contrast, X-ray fluorescence analysis is convenient because it can be analyzed without dissolving the sample.&nbsp;</p><p>This application news introduces the analysis of two inorganic oxide powders (talc and titanium oxide) using the energydispersive <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=ALTRACE"><strong>X-ray fluorescence Spectrometer ALTRACE</strong></a> (Fig. 1).</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>This application news reports on the quantitative analysis of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) in two types of inorganic oxide powders: talc and titanium oxide. The analysis was performed using the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer ALTRACE, which allows for the analysis of powders without dissolving them. ALTRACE enables simultaneous analysis of Pb and As, unlike traditional colorimetric methods that test them separately. Additionally, ALTRACE can analyze 48 samples continuously, significantly improving the efficiency of the testing process.</p><h3><strong>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Advantages of coincident XPS-Raman in the analysis of mineral oxide species</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/advantages_xps_raman_analysis_mineral_oxide_an52950_d492664cb5.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>XPS is an extremely versatile technique that has found widespread use in a myriad of application areas, from contact lenses to aerospace materials. XPS is unique in that it can quantify the elemental and chemical composition of a material’s surface with extreme selectivity, since the typical information depth of XPS being less than 10 nanometers.&nbsp;</p><p>Raman spectroscopy is utilized in many similar application areas as it requires little sample preparation, is nondestructive, provides information on molecular structure, and enables users to identify materials quickly, thanks to extensive spectral libraries.&nbsp;</p><p>The implementation of XPS and Raman with other analysis techniques is well established; XPS has a long history of complementary use with related ultra-high vacuum (UHV) analysis techniques, such as UV photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and ion scattering spectroscopy. In these cases, additional equipment is added to the spectrometer to give coincident, complementary information.</p><p>To overcome these problems, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=3&amp;search=ARXPS"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ Theta Probe Angle-Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (ARXPS) System</strong></a> has been integrated with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2238"><strong>Thermo Scientific iXR™ DXR3 Flex Raman Spectrometer</strong></a> to provide a multimodal analysis platform. The system aligns the XPS analysis position exactly with the Raman analysis position, ensuring that the data is collected from the same position.&nbsp;</p><p>The coincident XPS-Raman removes any requirement to transfer the sample from one instrument to the next between analyses, minimizing additional sample handling and exposure to different conditions that can lead to sample contamination or degradation.</p><h4><strong>Summary&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>In conclusion, XPS is used for quantitative determination of both elemental and chemical composition for any solid material compatible with UHV analysis, whereas Raman spectroscopy is used for identification of referenced compounds by careful spectral matching that searches algorithms and spectral databases. The combination of XPS and Raman spectroscopy on the DXR3 Flex Raman Spectrometer integrated with the Theta Probe ARXPS System, allows more powerful analysis of a material than either technique in isolation, with the cleanliness, purity and stoichiometry of a sample determined using XPS, and identification and quantification of molecular structures determined using Raman spectroscopy. As both techniques are aligned to the same position within the vacuum system, all the time-consuming aspects of locating the same analysis point when transferring between instruments is removed, giving absolutely certainty that all the information acquired has come from the same region of sample, which is particularly useful when studying nonuniform samples.</p>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 06, 2026

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 6th April 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by <strong>Metrohm,</strong> <strong>Shimadzu, Thermo Fisher Scientific </strong>and <strong>Waters Corporation!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Metrohm: Whey permeate analysis with NIRS</strong></h3><p><strong>Monitor dairy production processes easily in seconds</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_nir_144_download_34598659f1.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Whey permeate, a byproduct of manufacturing whey protein powder, contains high amounts of lactose, phosphate, and minerals. Because of its sweet and mild taste, whey permeate is often used in bakeries and chocolate manufacturing. The key to optimizing whey permeate production is to control production streams in real time. It is important to monitor the production process with highthroughput analytical techniques to maximize product yield and ensure high product quality.&nbsp;</p><p>Nearinfrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, and chemicalfree analysis technique that can support this kind of testing. NIR spectroscopy can measure the most important quality parameters (i.e., protein, lactose, moisture, ash, pH, and phosphate) simultaneously in whey permeate without any sample preparation. The NIRS solution is fast, easy to operate, and can be used atline or offline in a quality control lab.</p><h4><strong>EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>158 whey permeate samples were analyzed on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=220&amp;search=NIR+analyzer"><strong>Metrohm NIR Analyzer</strong></a> equipped with a small cup accessory. All measurements were performed in reflection mode (1000–2250 nm). Metrohm software was used for data acquisition and prediction model development.</p><h4><strong>CONCLUSION&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>This Application Note demonstrates the feasibility of using NIR spectroscopy for whey permeate quality control. Near infrared-spectroscopy is a rapid, nondestructive analytical technique that can monitor the production process of dairy products. Aside from the analysis of whey permeate, the whey protein production stream can also be monitored by NIRS.</p><h3><strong>2. Shimadzu: Measurement of Residual Metal Catalysts by X-ray Fluorescence</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01086_en_4beb25fd1d.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>User Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=ALTRACE"><strong>ALTRACE</strong></a> can determine levels of heavy metals present in organic compounds at around 1 mg/kg in under 10 minutes per sample.</li><li>Analyzing and managing levels of residual metal catalysts can be performed by simply placing samples in the sample vessel and analyzing them without the need for complex sample pretreatment.</li><li>By increasing the X-ray tube power and optimizing the optical design, the sensitivity of ALTRACE for heavy metals has been<br>dramatically improved compared to the previous model.</li></ul><p>Many industrial products we encounter every day are produced from organic compounds by manufacturing processes that utilize a range ofsynthesisreactions and metal catalysts. Catalysis can be classified as either homogeneous or heterogeneous (although drug and chemical production processes typically use homogeneous catalytic systems). While homogeneous catalysis allows for precise control over catalytic reactions, recovering the catalyst after the reaction can be difficult.&nbsp;</p><p>Nevertheless, managing the levels of residual catalysts in industrial products is critical to ensure safety and because of their high costs. For example, the ICH Q3D Guideline for Elemental Impurities (adopted in April 2017) requires risk assessments when materials such as metal catalysts are added intentionally during a production process.&nbsp;</p><p>Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry offers a simple but effective technique for assessing the levels of residual metal catalysts. Normally, the lower limit of quantification for EDXRF spectrometric analysis of heavy metals is above 1 mg/kg, which limitsits use in quantitative analysis. However, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=ALTRACE"><strong>ALTRACE</strong></a> is equipped with a high-power X-ray tube that dramatically improves its sensitivity for heavy metals, enabling their determination at 1 mg/kg and below in lessthan 10 minutes. This Application News describes using ALTRACE to determine residual levels of a homogeneous catalyst after a synthesis reaction. The catalyst used in this analysis is palladium (Pd), which is a widely applied heavy metal catalyst, and the reaction catalyzed by the Pd catalyst is a cross-coupling reaction. A metal scavenger and activated carbon were each used to remove the Pd catalyst from the reaction products. Metal scavengers are frequently used in this role, and activated carbon offers a relatively cheap method for removing catalysts.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Common methods of elemental impurity analysis, such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), ICP atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and ICP mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), require liquid samples, so solid and powder samples must be prepared into a solution prior to analysis. However, EDXRF spectrometry can determine levels of elemental impurities regardless of the sample phase or form (solution, powder, etc.), provided the target element is distributed uniformly throughout the sample. The sensitivity of ALTRACE for heavy metals has been substantially improved compared to previous models, allowing for rapid quantitative determination of heavy metals at 1 mg/kg and below. Based on the performance presented in this article, ALTRACE is an effective tool for managing residual levels of metal catalysts.</p><h3><strong>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: The Raman Spectroscopy of Graphene and the Determination of Layer Thickness</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/raman_spectroscopy_graphene_determination_layer_thickness_an52252_29274e8aea.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Currently, a tremendous amount of study is being directed toward graphene. This interest is driven by the novel properties that graphene possesses and its potential use in a variety of application areas that include but are not limited to electronics, heat transfer, bio-sensing, membrane technology, battery technology and advanced composites. Graphene exists as a transparent two-dimensional network of carbon atoms. It can exist as a single atomic-layer thick material, or it can be readily stacked to form stable, moderately thick samples containing millions of layers—a form generally referred to as graphite. However, the interesting properties exhibited by graphene (substantial electrical and thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, and high optical transparency) are only observed for graphene films that contain only one or a few layers. Therefore, developing technologies and devices based upon graphene’s unusual properties requires accurate determination of the layer thickness for materials under investigation. Raman spectroscopy can be employed to provide a fast, non-destructive means of determining layer thickness for graphene thin films.</p><h4><strong>Instrument considerations&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>There are a few specifications that should be considered when selecting a Raman instrument for graphene characterization. First, since graphene samples are usually very small, selecting a Raman instrument with microscopy capabilities is imperative.</p><p>The next issue to consider is which excitation laser to select. While graphene measurements can be made successfully with any of the readily available Raman lasers, it is also important to consider the substrate that the graphene will be deposited onto. It is common for graphene to be deposited on on either Si or SiO2 substrates, and both of these materials can exhibit fluorescence with near-infrared (NIR) lasers such as 780 nm or 785 nm. For this reason, visible lasers are usually recommended, typically a 633 nm or 532 nm laser.&nbsp;</p><p>Next, since relatively small wavenumber shifts can significantly impact the interpretation of the Raman spectra, it is crucial to have a robust wavelength calibration across the entire spectrum. Using a single point wavelength calibration with some other applications may be sufficient, but this only ensures that one wavelength is calibrated and leaves room for a large margin of error. A multipoint wavelength calibration that is regularly refreshed, such as the standard calibration routine used with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=184&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=dxr3"><strong>Thermo Scientific DXR3 Raman instruments</strong></a>, will provide considerably more confidence in the results. It is also necessary to have an instrument with high wavenumber precision to observe small wavenumber shifts when altering the sample. In fact, small wavenumber shifts can represent changes in the sample rather than represent the variability from the instrument. There is a common myth that it is necessary to utilize high resolution in order to achieve high wavenumber precision. Not only is this incorrect, but a high resolution will actually add considerable noise to the spectrum, which will add to the wavenumber variability. A high degree of wavenumber precision, such as that provided by the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2239"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ DXR™3 Raman Microscope</strong></a>, will significantly improve data confidence even when you are evaluating band shifts from low levels of strain or doping. It is also important to have exact control of your laser power at the sample and be able to adjust that laser power in small increments. This is important to control temperature-related effects and to provide flexibility to maximize Raman signal while still avoiding sample heating or damage from the laser. The DXR3 Raman systems are equipped with a unique device called a laser power regulator, which maintains laser power with unprecedented accuracy and provides exceptional ability to fine-tune laser power and optimize it for each experiment.<sup>1</sup>&nbsp;</p><p>Lastly, the Raman microscope must have an automated stage and associated software to generate detailed Raman point maps. As will be seen in the next section, Raman point mapping or imaging extends the single point measurement to assess a sample’s layer thickness uniformity. The <strong>Thermo Scientific OMNIC™ Software</strong> suite contains powerful mapping and processing tools that diminish the complexity of collecting highly detailed maps and interpreting their results.</p><h4><strong>Conclusions&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Raman spectroscopy is an excellent tool for the characterization of graphene and layer thickness. Few techniques will provide as much information about the structure of graphene samples as Raman spectroscopy, and any lab doing graphene characterization without Raman would be at a significant disadvantage. The DXR3 Raman Microscope is an ideal Raman instrument for graphene characterization because it can provide the high level of stability, control, and sensitivity needed to produce confident results.</p><h3><strong>4. Waters Corporation: See What’s Really in Your Formulation with Backgrounded Membrane Imaging</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/720009098_en_5d36d71789.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Protein aggregation in therapeutic protein products can induce adverse immunogenic responses in patients<sup>1–4</sup> . Per the FDA’s recommendations, “strategies to minimize aggregate formation should be developed as early as feasible in product development”<sup>5</sup> and “an assessment should be made of the range and levels of subvisible particles (2–10 µm) present in therapeutic protein products initially and over the course of the shelf life”.<sup>5</sup> Yet, accurate subvisible protein aggregation analysis has remained elusive to protein drug formulators since current subvisible analyzers are not sensitive enough to measure protein aggregates effectively. In this application note, we explore how backgrounded membrane imaging (BMI), a high refractive index contrast technique used by the HORIZON particle analysis system, performs highly sensitive measurements of subvisible protein aggregates in the 2 µm–4 mm size range, enabling 30% higher reproducibility compared to flow imaging.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>When studying the impact of protein aggregate refractive index, IgG protein aggregates analyzed on both the<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=5&amp;search=HORIZON"><strong>HORIZON® instrument</strong></a> and flow imager systems produced equivalent particle count trends. However, the HORIZON® system was more sensitive (measured more overall counts) and had overall lower variability with average CVs of 14.4% compared to the flow imager which produced average CVs of 20.1%. The differences in variability and counts were most pronounced at lower concentrations and size range respectively. Given that most particles in a therapeutic drug formulation are small, the inability of flow imagers to accurately count the smallest of protein aggregates has a dramatic impact on the total number of particles measured. This can mean an undercounting by as much as 3–10X depending on the protein and formulation conditions.&nbsp;</p><p>High variability at low concentrations in flow imagers can pose a hurdle for early stage analysis were sample is scarce. In low volume analysis (&lt;250 µL), the possibility of measuring fewer particles increases, therefore it is imperative to have high sensitivity measurements when already challenged by low sampling statistics.&nbsp;</p><p>In the excipient effect study, sucrose did not have an impact on the overall particle counts when measured using the HORIZON® system. This contrasts with previous studies comparing excipient effects on three flow imagers.10 In each case, the particle counts decreased up to 30% or more using standard sucrose formulation concentrations of 0–20%. The difference between the data generated by BMI and FI can be attributed to the fact that the HORIZON® instrument is not affected by particle or solution refractive index.&nbsp;</p><p>Flow imagers are deeply vulnerable to the impact of refractive index when measuring protein aggregates due to their translucency and the negative impact of surfactants. Due to this basic optical phenomenon, flow imagers can dramatically undersize and undercount particles. Finding the right tool for the job will have a critical impact on data accuracy and sensitivity. Powered with BMI, the HORIZON® system provides high refractive index contrast analysis to enable accurate, robust, and sensitive subvisible particle counting from 2 µm–4 mm in as little as 25 µL of sample and 96 samples in under 2 hours.</p>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 15, 2026

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 27th April 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezICPMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application note by<strong> Shimadzu, </strong>scientific article by <strong>BaySpec, </strong>poster by <strong>MDCW / JEOL</strong> and technical note by <strong>Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. BaySpec: PNNL and BaySpec Launch Compact Mass Spectrometry System for Rapid Narcotics Detection</strong></h3><ul><li>Scientific article</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/PNNL_and_Bay_Spec_Launch_Compact_Mass_Spectrometry_System_for_Rapid_Narcotics_Detection_087ddb9b7e.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>The U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) VaporID, which is a newly developed portable air sampling system incorporating a miniaturized mass spectrometer (MS), can detect trace levels of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and even explosives like TNT with great accuracy, the laboratory announced in a press release (1). Because of its success, BaySpec, an optical products manufacturer, is commercializing this instrument, which will be produced later in 2025 (1,2).&nbsp;</p><p>The new system employs a technique known as noncontact detection, which collects airborne molecules and analyzes them in real time using a miniature mass spectrometer (1). The VaporID device was first developed in 2020. The device won GeekWire’s Innovation of the Year award that same year (2). At the 2025 American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) conference in Baltimore Maryland, Krisztian Torma, a BaySpec scientist and one of the lead developers, presented the latest test results of the device. The VaporID device was field-tested at the U.S.–Mexico border crossing in Nogales, Arizona. Working with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, the device was able to successfully identify trace amounts of fentanyl, as well as other narcotics including MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, ketamine, and cocaine (1).</p><p>Fentanyl, explosives, and other drugs have low vapor pressure, which means that they do not willingly evaporate and release very few molecules into the air. Given the fact that there are often other interfering chemicals in the air, this presents a detection challenge. The VaporID system overcomes this hurdle by filtering out irrelevant vapors and enhancing signal clarity (1).&nbsp;</p><p>The success of the VaporID system is the result of a two-year collaboration between PNNL and BaySpec. With plans to commercialize the system by the end of the year, BaySpec aims to bring this advanced narcotics and explosives detection tool into routine use at ports of entry, airports, shipping facilities, and public event venues (1).</p><h3><strong>2. MDCW / JEOL: ANALYSIS OF AROMA COMPOUNDS IN SPICES BY COMPREHENSIVE TWO-DIMENSIONAL GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/TIME-OF-FLIGHT MASS SPECTROMETRY WITH MACHINE LEARNING-BASED STRUCTURE ELUCIDATION AND MOLECULAR FORMULA ESTIMATION</strong></h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/P_9_Kubota_90c993d536.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>In GCxGC-MS, compound identification is commonly performed by searching the NIST database (DB) using electron ionization (EI) data. However, some compounds are not registered in the NIST DB. In addition, molecular formula estimation from molecular ions obtained by soft ionization often results in a large number of candidate formulas. To address these issues, we developed two machine learning (ML)–based methods for molecular formula recommendation and structural formula estimation. In this study, these methods are applied to the analysis of aroma compounds in spices using SPME-GCxGC-TOFMS.</p><h4><strong>Experiments</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Sample: </strong>0.25 mg dried cardamom seeds&nbsp;</li><li><strong>GC-HRTOFMS:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=23&amp;search=JMS-T2000GC"><strong>JMS-T2000GC</strong></a> (JEOL)&nbsp;<ul><li>SPME Fiber: DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber (20 mm, 50/30 μm) at 50°C for 30 min.&nbsp;</li><li>GCxGC Thermal modulator: INSIGHT-Thermal (Sepsolve)&nbsp;</li><li>Modulation period: 6 s&nbsp;</li><li>Column: BPX5 30 m, 0.25 mm. 0.25 µm × Rxi-17Sil MS 3.4 m, 0.15 mm, 0.15µm</li><li>Ionization: Electron ionization (EI) and Field ionization (FI).&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li><strong>Data processing:</strong> msFineAnalysis AI (JEOL)</li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>We reported two machine learning (ML)-based methods for molecular formula recommendation and structural formula estimation, and applied them to the analysis of aroma compounds. Our method is considered effective for rapid structural estimation of unknown compounds in GCxGC-MS measurements.</p><h3><strong>3. Shimadzu: HS-GC Analysis of Sake Aroma Compounds Using Hydrogen Carrier Gas</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00886_en_974e971712.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h5><strong>User Benefits</strong></h5><ul><li>Aroma compounds in alcoholic beverages can be quantified easily and cost-effectively.</li><li>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=HS-20+NX"><strong>HS-20 NX headspace sampler</strong></a> enables simple, high-sensitivity analysis of aroma compounds.</li><li>Using hydrogen as the carrier gas reduces costs while maintaining separation performance.</li></ul><p>Aroma is a crucial component of sake. Therefore, during the sake production process, it is essential to preserve the sake’s aroma profile. One key step in sake production is pasteurization (“hiire”), in which unpasteurized sake is heated to sterilize it, deactivate enzymes, and halt fermentation. This pasteurization step is known to impair the aroma of sake if it is carried out for too long or at too high a temperature. In this analysis, a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Nexis+GC-2030"><strong>Nexis GC-2030 gas chromatograph</strong></a> was combined with an HS-20 NX headspace sampler (Fig. 1) to quantify individual aroma compounds in sake before and after pasteurization.&nbsp;</p><p>Headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) is an effective method for analyzing volatile compounds, including aromas. HS-GC requires no pretreatment (e.g., derivatization), and sample preparation is straightforward: simply place the sample in a vial and perform the analysis.&nbsp;</p><p>Hydrogen, which is inexpensive and readily available, was used as the carrier gas. Using H2 gas as the carrier reduces analysis costs while maintaining high separation performance over a wide range of linear velocities. However, because hydrogen is flammable, it must be handled with care. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Nexis+GC-2030"><strong>Nexis GC-2030</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Brevis+GC-2050"><strong>Brevis GC-2050</strong></a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Nexis+GC-2060"><strong>Nexis GC-2060</strong></a> gas chromatographs can be equipped with an optional hydrogen sensor that measures H2 concentration in the column oven. If the hydrogen sensor detects a leak, the system shiftsto standby mode or automatically powers off, helping prevent accidents before they occur.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>By combining the Nexis GC-2030 gas chromatograph with the HS-20 NX headspace sampler, the aroma compounds can be easily quantified without pretreatment such as derivatization. In addition, using inexpensive, readily available H2 as the carrier gas reduces analysis costs while maintaining high separation performance. Because the Nexis GC-2030 can be equipped with an optional hydrogen sensor, analyses using H2 carrier gas can be performed safely.</p><h3><strong>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: “Outside the box” Raman spectroscopy: Remote measurements for bulk samples</strong></h3><ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/remote_measurements_for_bulk_samples_tn1524_en_498225b670.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>The effectiveness of Raman spectroscopy depends, in general, on focusing the excitation laser onto the sample. However, there are many cases where a traditional spectrometer’s working distance is not sufficient to achieve this, in which case a focus-independent, long-distance collection proves invaluable. One potential application of this focus-independent “remote” measurement is high-throughput plastics recycling, where many differently sized plastics are passed along at a fixed distance and screened for specific material identification. Similarly, any potential use cases of samples inside a glove box or within a hazardous environment may benefit from long-distance collection, because the laboratory grade spectrometer can be kept clear of the sample enclosure while providing excellent spectral signal. It should be noted that each unique application comes with its own optical beam path and laser safety requirements.</p><p>In addition to this particular modality, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2238"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ DXR3 Flex Raman Spectrometer</strong></a> provides excellent experimental versatility with micro scale, bulk sampling, and fiber probe collection modes also available. Shown below is a longdistance analytical setup in which the DXR3 Flex Raman spectrometer passes the unfocused laser beam through a quartz shielding window onto a polystyrene sample (Figure 1). The relationship between pathlength/sample mounting preparation and spectral signal is investigated below, to validate the use of a long-distance collection mode as a viable alternative to more traditional, focus-dependent analysis. It is worth mentioning the practice of standoff Raman spectroscopy, a technique designed to provide Raman data at distances ranging from 1 m to several hundred meters. However, these systems often require significantly different components than a standard Raman spectrometer, such as pulsed lasers, gated detectors, UV excitation wavelengths, and telescopic focusing elements.¹ The work described here performs measurements at a distance with a simple, off-the-shelf, benchtop spectrometer.</p><h4><strong>Practical use case: recycled plastic identification&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>One of the major benefits of this long-distance measurement technique is being able to handle samples of various sizes and thicknesses without needing to adjust the laser focus for specific samples. The following results simulate a potential use case where remote Raman spectroscopy is used to rapidly identify the plastic materials of various sizes. The samples were fixed at a 50 cm pathlength, and collection times were set at 10 s.</p><p>All three samples show clear and identifiable Raman signals. The plastic drum is identified as polyethylene, while the water bottle is a specific, BPA-free polycarbonate alternative. The plastic bag is multilayered, with signals from both polyethylene and polycarbonate, along with a visible fluorescence peak at 2150 cm-1. All of these different polymers are spectroscopically identifiable, and at a range of different sample thicknesses. These results provide an excellent view into the use of this technique on non-reference samples. This is just one example of a potential use for the long-distance collection mode, a mode which enables much greater versatility in experimental design and instrument placement.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></section>

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 18, 2026

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 4th May 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezICPMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application note by<strong> Shimadzu, </strong>presentation by <strong>MDCW / JEOL</strong> and technical note by <strong>Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. MDCW / JEOL: Flow-Modulated GCxGC-QMS Analysis Without Splitting Off the GC Flow</strong></h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_16_Jensen_11e29d5022.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>This presentation by Kirk Jensen (JEOL USA) explores the feasibility of performing <strong>flow-modulated comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS)</strong> without splitting the GC flow, which is traditionally required to protect MS systems from high carrier gas flows. The core concept builds on GC×GC, where compounds are separated using a primary and secondary column connected via a modulator, significantly increasing separation power compared to one-dimensional GC. The presentation contrasts <strong>thermal modulation</strong> (offering sharper peaks and higher theoretical sensitivity but requiring cryogenic cooling) with <strong>flow modulation</strong>, which avoids cryogens, handles volatile analytes well, and is more flexible, but typically demands higher gas flows that standard MS systems cannot tolerate .</p><p>To address this limitation, the study utilizes the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=24&amp;search=JMS-Q1600GC"><strong>JEOL JMS-Q1600GC</strong></a><strong> UltraQuad quadrupole GC-MS system</strong>, which can accept unusually high carrier gas flows (up to ~20 mL/min), enabling direct coupling with a <strong>SepSolve INSIGHT flow modulator</strong> without splitting the effluent . The analytical setup includes dual GC columns (e.g., Zebron ZB-5MSplus for the first dimension and BPX50 for the second), high secondary flow rates (~25 mL/min), and electron ionization (EI) MS detection. Additional system components include optional FID detection, bleed line control, and ChromeSpace software for data processing . This configuration allows full analyte transfer into the MS, eliminating the need for flow splitting and potentially improving detection efficiency.</p><p>Experimental results demonstrate the applicability of this approach to complex mixtures, including a <strong>pesticide mixture containing over 200 compounds</strong> and real-world samples such as perfumes and fuels. The GC×GC-MS system produced detailed two-dimensional chromatograms with high spectral quality, enabling the correct identification of approximately 120 compounds despite relatively moderate spectral match factors . Comparisons at different flow rates (e.g., 25 vs. 50 mL/min) showed that spectral integrity and compound identification remain robust, indicating that higher flow operation does not significantly compromise MS performance.</p><p>In conclusion, the work demonstrates that <strong>flow-modulated GC×GC-QMS without flow splitting is feasible</strong>, provided that the MS system can tolerate high carrier gas flows. While further optimization is needed (e.g., column selection, inlet pressure, and separation conditions), the approach offers a practical alternative to thermal modulation by eliminating cryogens and simplifying operation. Future work will focus on improving sensitivity, optimizing separations, and exploring alternative carrier gases such as hydrogen to reduce costs and expand applicability</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><h3><strong>2. Shimadzu: Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis by Nexis GC-2030 Using ASTM D6730</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00863_en_eb633bc741.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h5><strong>User Benefits</strong></h5><ul><li>Detailed compositional analysis of gasoline in accordance with ASTM D6730 is feasible using the Nexis GC-2030.&nbsp;</li><li>By employing PONAsolution, a PONA/DHA analysis software, laborious identification tasks can be reduced, and quantitation calculations and report generation can be performed automatically.</li></ul><p>ASTM D6730 specifies the analysis of hydrocarbons in gasoline and oxygenates such as ethanol, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) over a boiling point range up to 225 ̊C. Identification and quantification of individual compounds in gasoline are critically important for refinery process control and product quality assurance. In this application news, we report compositional analysis of gasoline conforming to ASTM D6730 using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Nexis+GC-2030"><strong>Nexis GC-2030 gas chromatograph</strong></a>. Gasoline typically comprises over 100 hydrocarbons, making identification tasks highly complex; however, PONAsolution, a PONA/DHA analysissoftware,simplifies this process.</p><h4><strong>PONAsolution</strong></h4><p>PONAsolution Ver.6 provides retention index libraries for each relevant standard (ASTM D6730, D6729, D5134, D6733). Identification of n-alkanes automatically corrects the retention times of the remaining several hundred components, thus streamlining the identification process. When only a specific retention region requires adjustment, the two-point identification function is useful (Fig. 1). In the two-point identification procedure, reference and sample chromatograms are compared while assigning corresponding peaks. First, click on an identified component mark in the reference data (Fig. 1, a), then click the matching sample peak (Fig. 1, b). Repeat this for a second pair of peaks. The retention times of components between these two anchor points are then automatically corrected.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>Compositional analysis of gasoline in accordance with ASTM D6730 was performed. The combination of SH PONA Tuning Column and SH-1 PONA main column enabled separation of compounds with closely spaced retention times. Moreover, use of PONAsolution software greatly simplifies complex identification tasks.</p><h3><strong>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Fiber optic probes add flexibility to Raman chemical analysis</strong></h3><ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/drx3_flex_tech_note_tn54708_bebb56b870.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy are non-destructive analytical techniques that rely on the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with molecular vibrations to provide information about the chemical composition and structure of a sample. Despite their similarities, there are some distinct differences between the two techniques. In principle, FTIR is based on the absorption of infrared radiation by molecules and measures changes in dipole moment during molecular vibrations. Raman spectroscopy, on the other hand, is based on the inelastic scattering of monochromatic light and measures changes in polarizability during molecular vibrations.&nbsp;</p><p>When applied to bulk chemical analysis, both FTIR and Raman spectroscopy can be used to analyze solids, liquids, and gases, but the nature of Raman spectroscopy lends some unique sampling advantages. Additionally, Raman often requires little to no sample preparation. Presented herein are application examples that highlight some of the sampling advantages of Raman spectroscopy. All the spectral data in this technical note were collected using a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2238"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ DXR3 Flex Raman Spectrometer</strong></a> equipped with a fiber optic probe. (Fiber optics are readily available for Raman spectroscopy because of the use of visible and NIR light and do not require the exotic materials associated with FTIR fiber optics.) Preliminary tests for all samples were carried out using both 532 nm and 785 nm excitations, and it was determined that the 785 nm laser set gave an overall better balance between fluorescence and Raman scattering efficiency.</p><h4><strong>Summary&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>In this technical note, the analyses of a variety of samples by Raman spectroscopy are demonstrated. All samples were analyzed without sample preparation.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Precise and localized analysis at the focal point of the Raman-exciting laser allows sampling through glass bottles, blister packaging and plastic containers, which eliminates possible cross contamination and analyst exposure to hazardous materials. The contributions from the packaging and containers depend on the type of container material, the container thickness, and the materials’ chemical compositional complexity, but these contributions can be readily subtracted out when needed.&nbsp;</li><li>Water is a weak Raman scatterer. Raman therefore has reduced water sensitivity, making it a preferred technique for aqueous solution analysis over FTIR. As demonstrated in the analysis of an energy drink, the Raman bands from water can be subtracted from the spectrum of the aqueous solution, leading to the identification of the components of the solution.&nbsp;</li><li>Raman spectroscopy is well suited for the analysis of inorganic materials, especially in identifying the crystal phases and polymorphs, as demonstrated by the analyses of minerals and pigments in a painting.&nbsp;</li><li>Fiber optic probes provide flexibility and ease of maneuverability. This is particularly advantageous when analyzing samples that are difficult to access or manipulate, such as large containers, geological samples and paintings</li></ul><p>The DXR3 Flex has multiple sampling options available. A properly configured fiber-optic probe is arguably the most versatile accessory for the analysis of bulk solids and liquids. The advantages, both from those inherent to Raman spectroscopy and those resulting from the use of fiber optic probe, provide opportunities for a wide variety of different applications when using the DXR3 Flex Raman Spectrometer.</p>

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