Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Since we frequently answer questions with regards to the SICRIT technology, its relation to respective mass spectrometers, or specific SICRIT applications, we provide an excerpt of the questions and answers below for orientation purposes.
# SICRIT Technology Related
What does the acronym SICRIT stand for?
SICRIT is short for Soft Ionization by Chemical Reaction In Transfer.
What is the principle of SICRIT?
SICRIT is a plug & play flow through ionization source for mass spectrometers. It utilizes a cold plasma formed by a dielectric barrier discharge (DBDI) for soft ionization of organic molecules.
Which carrier gases and/or consumables do I need to operate SICRIT?
No gases or special reactants are required to operate the ion source. The ion source allows operation, i.e. ionization, in ambient air.
Does SICRIT only work in positive mode or does it also produce negative ions?
The SICRIT source produces both positive and negative ions at the same time.
How to control the SICRIT source?
The source is controlled using the supplied control unit or the supplied software.
# Mass Spectrometer (MS) Related
What mass spectrometer manufacturers are currently supported by SICRIT?
We currently supply interfaces for almost all SCIEX, Thermo, Agilent, Bruker, Jeol, Shimadzu, and Waters instruments. Other manufacturers or individual solutions are available on request.
Which mass spectrometers can be equipped with SICRIT?
Generally all LC-mass spectrometers with an API (Atmospheric Pressure Inlet) can be equipped with the SICRIT source. This means all mass spectrometers which are usually equipped with an ESI or APCI source.
How complex is it to upgrade an LC mass spectrometer with a SICRIT source?
Due to the plug & play design, the change from e.g. ESI to SICRIT is very quick (less than
2 minutes) and super easy (no extra tools required).
Can the operation of the SICRIT ion source harm my mass spectrometer?
No - the source is mounted on the existing inlet of the mass spectrometer, so no changes are made to the mass spectrometer itself.
Which settings need to be changed on the mass spectrometer?
Basically nothing needs to be changed on the mass spectrometer setup. Only unused parameters (such as gas flows and spray voltage) are switched off or reduced.
# Application Related
Which GCs can be interfaced by SICRIT and how complex is the coupling?
In principle, any GC can be coupled to any LC mass spectrometer using SICRIT. In most cases, the GC is controlled by the supplied software or by start-stop logic. The plug & play design allows to connect a GC in less than 5 minutes.
Can I compare the GC-SICRIT data to existing databases, e.g. NIST?
Yes and no. The comparison with existing databases is possible. However, since almost exclusively [MH]+ species are observed, the comparison is only possible with LC-MS databases and not with GC-EI-MS databases e.g. NIST.
What is the advantage of direct SPME SICRIT-MS measurements?
Direct SPME SICRIT-MS enable fully quantitative analyses of SPME fibers and SPME arrows without the need to use chromatographic separation. So it saves time and consumables (e.g. solvents).