Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Key Developments for Faster, More Precise Detection Capabilities

Driven by the demand for the rapid and advanced detection of explosives, chemical and biological warfare agents, and narcotics, ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) undergone significant refinements in technology, computational capabilities, and understanding of the principles of gas phase ion chemistry and mobility. Beginning with a thorough discussion of the fundamental theories and physics of ion mobility, Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Second Edition describes the recent advances in instrumentation and newly pioneered applications.

Divided into three sections, the first presents a history of technological developments, basic principles, theories, and other factors that govern the response in IMS. The second section describes aspects of IMS technology including sample introduction methods, draft tubes, modern methods for data analysis and display, the combination of mobility spectrometers with chromatographic methods, miniaturized IMS sensors, alternative ionization sources, and advances in computational capabilities that improved the acquisition and treatment of data. The final section emphasizes rapidly developing and exciting applications of IMS. The section is subdivided into existing, proven and potential applications encompassing the traditional forensic, military, and counter-terrorism applications and the now well-developed methods for detect biological agents and characterizing bio-molecules. It also highlights other applications found in clinical and environmental venues and await further development.

This new edition of Ion Mobility Spectrometry offers a lucid and complete analysis of the technological and contextual developments surrounding the chemistry, instrumentation and growing number of applications of IMS that incorporate and depend upon the latest innovations in the field.