Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 4 - ChemSniff (Chemical sniffer device for multi-mode analysis of threat compounds)

Teaser

The goal of this project is to develop a highly mobile MS system, with a short start-up time and a relative long standalone up-time. The MS system should be:• Able to operate as a generic sensor for volatile compounds or in selectable modes, for example; Explosives, Drugs...

Summary

The goal of this project is to develop a highly mobile MS system, with a short start-up time and a relative long standalone up-time. The MS system should be:
• Able to operate as a generic sensor for volatile compounds or in selectable modes, for example; Explosives, Drugs, CBRNE, Hidden people.
• Extremely easy to handle from an operator perspective, with analysis results displayed in a uniform matter on a suitably convenient android based tablet/smartphone.

Work performed

During this period focus has been made on the technical design of the system. Sub-designs were:
• MS miniaturised pre-filter.
• MS miniaturised quadrupole.
• Implementation of digital detection by means of TimePix detection.
• Implementation of a Panel PC.
• Protocols for internal communication between sup-devices and data processing.
• Development of a membrane based sample inlet.
• Launch of project web-site; www.chemsniff.eu
• Development of dissemination materials by means of poster and flyer.

Final results

TimePix is a very sophisticated way of detection. Implementation of TimePix detection in ChemSniff will lead to the world wide first digital detecting mass spectrometer. Major advantage of TimePix detection is the absence of electronic noise resulting to more reliable and more sensitive data. Since the use of TimePix detection leads to higher sensitivity, the need for a pre-concentrator could be avoided, resulting in lower system weight, and a higher level of user-friendlyness.

Website & more info

More info: http://www.chemsniff.eu.