High kinetic energy ion mobility spectrometry (HiKE-IMS)

The crucial problem in most real-life applications of ion mobility spectrometers is the sample ionization, as it limits the detectability of many substances and is the primary source of matrix effects. In this project, a novel approach using reactant ions with high kinetic energy at reduced pressure is employed in order to minimize these problems and even allow quantitative measurements using ion mobility spectrometers. For example, it is possible to detect ppbv-concentrations of benzene in the presence of toluene and xylene in ppm_v-concentrations.