Inverse-Technique
Diffusion and ion-ion repulsion are major causes for peak broadening in IMS. The instrument provides an option to employ a revolutionary novel technology called inverse-IMS, that eliminates ion-ion repulsion. It enhances the resolution up to 60%. In this technique (Anal. Chem. 2010, 82, 2, 746–750), unlike the normal operation, the ion gate opens for a long time and closes for a short time to generate a dip in the ion current. The dip is empty and thus has no charge, hence repulsion is eliminated. Furthermore, a repulsion from outside of the dip pushes to reduce the empty gap.
This technique unveils peaks that may have been hidden behind others, as demonstrated by the clear recording of three peaks for caffeine.
