Device built-in

Agilent QTOF Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry System

The Agilent QTOF (Quadrupole Time-of-Flight) is a high-performance high-resolution mass spectrometry system developed by Agilent Technologies, which perfectly combines the mass selection capability of quadrupole technology with the high resolution of time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This system provides accurate mass measurement and structural elucidation capabilities for complex sample analysis, demonstrating exceptional performance in proteomics, metabolomics, environmental analysis, and drug development applications.

Core Technical Features

The Agilent QTOF system employs a quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem configuration, comprising three key modules:

1. Ion Source System:

• Standard ESI ion source supporting positive/negative ion mode switching
• Optional APCI, AJS and other ion sources for different compounds
• Innovative Jet Stream ion focusing technology improves ionization efficiency

2. Mass Analyzer:

• Quadrupole mass selector (Q1) with mass range: 50-3,200 m/z
• Collision cell with adjustable collision energy (0-120 eV)
• Time-of-flight analyzer (TOF) providing >40,000 FWHM resolution

3. Detection System:

• High-sensitivity detector with dynamic range >10⁵
• Mass accuracy <1 ppm (internal standard), <2 ppm (external standard)
• Acquisition rate up to 50 spectra/sec

Performance Advantages

The Agilent QTOF offers several groundbreaking technological advantages:

1. Ultra-High Resolution and Mass Accuracy:

• Maximum resolution up to 50,000 FWHM distinguishes compounds with minimal mass differences
• Mass error <1 ppm enables elemental composition determination
• Isotopic pattern fit >90% improves compound confirmation reliability

2. Full Scan and Targeted Analysis Capabilities:

• Supports both Full Scan and Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) modes
• Obtains accurate mass information for all components in a single injection
• Database search function (NIST/EPA/NIH) simplifies unknown compound identification

3. High-Throughput Analysis:

• Scanning speed up to 50 spectra/sec
• Polarity switching time <20 ms
• Deep integration with MassHunter software platform simplifies data processing

Key Application Areas

With its outstanding performance, the Agilent QTOF excels in:

• Proteomics: Large-scale protein identification, post-translational modification analysis
• Metabolomics: Global small molecule analysis, metabolic pathway elucidation
• Environmental Analysis: Emerging contaminant monitoring, complex matrix screening
• Pharmaceutical Research: Drug metabolite identification, impurity analysis
• Food Safety: Pesticide screening, adulterant detection

In clinical proteomics research, the 6545 QTOF can identify >4,000 plasma proteins in a single 30-minute analysis. For metabolomics applications, the system simultaneously detects >1,000 metabolites in polarity switching mode with mass error <1 ppm.

The Agilent QTOF represents the forefront of high-resolution mass spectrometry technology. Its innovative hardware design and intelligent data processing capabilities provide powerful tools for complex sample analysis, making it the ideal choice for modern analytical laboratories.