Device built-in

Thermo Scientific Q Exactive HF (2020) High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry System

The Thermo Scientific Q Exactive HF, introduced in 2020, represents a high-performance hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry system, embodying the most advanced technology for proteomics and metabolomics research at that time. This system integrates high-performance quadrupole precursor ion selection with ultra-high-resolution Orbitrap mass analyzer technology, providing researchers with exceptional sensitivity, resolution, and scanning speed, making it an indispensable tool for life science research.

Core Technical Features

The Q Exactive HF employs an innovative quadrupole-Orbitrap hybrid design, comprising three key modules:

1. Ion Source System:

• Standard HESI-II electrospray ion source compatible with multiple ionization modes (ESI, APCI)
• Advanced ion focusing technology significantly enhances sensitivity compared to previous generations
• Temperature range: 50-600°C for analyzing compounds with diverse properties
• Patented ion beam focusing technology minimizes matrix interference

2. Mass Analyzer:

• Mass range: 10-3,000 m/z with maximum resolution up to 240,000 FWHM
• Segmented quadrupole technology with adjustable collision energy (0-120 eV)
• Scanning speed up to 18 Hz to meet high-throughput analysis requirements

3. Detection System:

• High dynamic range detector
• Linear range >10⁶ with correlation coefficient R²>0.99
• High acquisition rate supports complex sample analysis

Performance Advantages

The Q Exactive HF offers several industry-leading technical specifications:

1. Ultra-High Sensitivity:

• Full scan mode: S/N ratio >400:1 for 50fg reserpine on-column
• Selected ion monitoring: S/N ratio >800:1 for 50fg reserpine on-column
• Remarkably improved detection capability for low-abundance components

2. High Resolution and Accurate Mass Measurement:

• Maximum resolution up to 240,000 FWHM (m/z 200)
• Mass accuracy <3 ppm (external calibration) or <1 ppm (internal calibration)
• Enables precise identification of compounds in complex samples

3. High-Throughput Analysis Capability:

• Scanning speed up to 18 Hz
• Supports multiple quantitative methods including Label-free, TMT, and iTRAQ
• Ideal for large-scale proteomics research

Key Applications

The Q Exactive HF demonstrates outstanding performance in:

• Proteomics: Large-scale protein identification and quantification, post-translational modification studies
• Metabolomics: Small molecule metabolite detection and quantitative analysis
• Lipidomics: Structural elucidation and quantification of complex lipid molecules
• Biopharmaceuticals: Protein drug characterization and quality control

In proteomics research, the Q Exactive HF can identify approximately 25,000 unique peptides in a one-hour LC-MS/MS gradient, providing robust technical support for large-scale proteome studies. In metabolomics, its high resolution and mass accuracy enable accurate identification of small molecule metabolites in complex biological samples.

The Thermo Scientific Q Exactive HF represents the cutting-edge of high-resolution mass spectrometry technology in 2020, with its innovative design concept and exceptional performance delivering efficient and reliable solutions for life science research, making it the ideal instrument for proteomics, metabolomics, and related research fields.