High Explosives Vapor Detection by Glow Discharge-Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The combination of atmospheric sampling glow discharge ionization with quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry for the detection of traces of high explosives is described. Atmospheric sampling glow discharge provides a simple, rugged, and efficient means for anion formation while the quadrupole ion trap provides for efficient tandem mass spectrometry. Mass-selective ion accumulation and non-specific ion activation methods can be used to overcome deleterious effects arising from ion/ion interactions. Such interactions constitute the major potential technical barrier to the use of the ion trap for real-time monitoring of targeted compounds in uncontrolled and highly variable matrices. Tailored waveforms can be used to effect both mass-selective ion accumulation and ion activation. Concatenated tailored waveforms allow for both functions in a single experiment, thereby providing the capability for monitoring several targeted species simultaneously.