• Automated system checks and simplified user interface for ease-of-use      
• Optimized MS/MS detection for demanding quantitative applications      
• Rapid data acquisition rates for the best in accuracy and reproducibility of chromatographic peak area measurement      
• Robust ZSpray™ atmospheric pressure ionization interface      
• Versatile range of ionization options      
• Industry-leading multimode capability in a single run      
• Automated instrument optimization and quantitative method development tools      
• Dedicated application managers for your specialized analytical requirements      
• Smallest MS/MS footprint that sits easily on your laboratory benchtop      

Key Technologies      

Rapid data acquisition capability:      

• To make the most of your ACQUITY UPLC® System, the TQ Detector operates at the highest data acquisition rates (utilizing T-Wave™ collision cell, multi-mode ionization, and rapid polarity switching technologies)      

Automated instrument optimization and quantitative method development tools:      

• IntelliStart™ Software automates setting up the MS hardware (mass resolution, mass calibration, ion source optimization) and the process of developing compound-specific MRM data acquisition methods      
• QuanOptimize™, a sophisticated, optional software package, is available for comprehensive automation of the entire process of quantitation (method setup, data acquisition, data processing, and reporting)      

Versatile Range of robust ionization options:      

• Robust dual orthogonal API source (ZSpray™): Maximizes source longevity, protects against dirty samples, and allows easy removal and cleaning of source elements without breaking vacuum      
• Ionization options include: electrospray and multi-mode ionization capability (standard), atmospheric chemical ionization, and dual-mode atmospheric pressure photo-ionization / atmospheric chemical ionization interface      

Comprehensive software control and applications:      

• MassLynx™ MS Software or Empower™ 2 CDS Software solutions suit your analytical requirements      

Intelligent Services Delivery Platform      

• Connections INSIGHT® intelligent services provides on-demand, remote diagnostics and online help for your LC/MS/MS system.      

Rapid Acquisition      

Accurate quantitation of the narrow peak widths typical of UPLC® (2-3 s) demands fast acquisition speeds for sufficient data points per peak (15-20). T-Wave™ (Traveling Wave™) collision cell technology minimizes source-to-detector ion transit times for high-speed data acquisition. Unlike some collision cell designs, the T-Wave collision cell ensures that signal intensity does not fall as acquisition speed increases.      

In this example, the chromatographic signal intensity is maintained as MRM acquisition dwell time is reduced from 200 ms (five data points per second) to 5 ms (100 data points per second).      

Rapid positive to negative ion mode switching (in only 20 ms) also enables simultaneous analysis of acidic and basic compounds in a single analytical run. Scientists can take full advantage of the speed of UPLC saving valuable analytical time.      

Why Tandem Quadrupole MS?      

Tandem quadrupole mass spectrometers are versatile instruments that can be used to perform a wide variety of experiments:      

• Full scan for mass confirmation      
• Single ion recording for selected ion monitoring      
• Product ion scan for structural elucidation      
• Precursor scan for class-specific screening using common fragments      
• Constant neutral loss for class-specific screening using common losses      
• Multiple reaction monitoring for selective, trace level quantitation      

The use of two mass analysers provides improved data quality for a wide range of applications:      

• High selectivity to reduce or eliminate matrix interferences      
• High sensitivity for trace levels - low reporting limits      
• Quantitative accuracy for reproducibility, stability and dynamic range, and accurate quantitation of targets at low levels in matrix      
• Robustness for complex sample matrices, reduced sample clean-up      

IntelliStart Technology      

IntelliStart™ Technology automates system setup so that non-expert users can acquire data with confidence that the system is operating optimally.      

An integrated system of fluidics, electronics, and software continually monitors system performance. Through a series of diagnostic checks, the MS detector can report when it is ready for use. Any failures trigger a red-light system status, which warns that action may be required before analysis can proceed.       

IntelliStart Technology:      

• Resolves system alerts      
• Autotunes and calibrates the system, optimized for your analysis      
• Automatically generates MRM methods with ease using integrated fluidics      
• Reports on your LC/MS system performance      

Comprehensive Ionization Capabilities      

When you need to incorporate mass spectrometry into your laboratory, you want your instrumentation to be as versatile as possible to meet your ongoing analytical needs.      

Waters’ portfolio of MS technologies provides a broad range of atmospheric pressure ionization (API) sources to allow your laboratory to meet its productivity requirements:      

• Electrospray (ESI) Probe: The most widely used API technique for sensitive, general analysis of polar and ionic compounds      
• Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI) Probe: Ionization capabilities for less polar and neutral chemical species      
• IonSABRE™ APCI: Excellent sensitivity for less polar and nonpolar analytes, especially at higher liquid flow rates      
• ESCi® Multi-Mode Ionization: Combines ESI and APCI in the same analysis      
• APPI/APCI Dual Ionization: Provides APCI in simultaneous operation with photoionization (PI)      

Built on the ZSpray™ API Interface, each of these ionization sources provides the robust performance you expect of your mass spectrometer.