Rapid Detection of Illicit Materials: A New Simplified Prototype System Using Thermal Desorption Mass Spectrometry and Improved Targeted Processing Software

Rapid Detection of Illicit Materials: A New Simplified Acquisition and Improved Processing Software for Targeted Compound Detection

David Douce^a, John H. Moncur^b, Lance Hiley^c, Peter Luke^c, Ryan Bain^d and Scott J. Campbell^b
aWaters Corporation, Wilmslow, UK, ^bSpectralWorks Ltd, Runcorn, ^cMass Spec Analytical Ltd, Bristol, UK. ^dDepartment of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Beltsville, USA

First presented ASMS 2025: Baltimore, USA. June 2025

Introduction

The rapid detection of illicit materials (e.g. narcotics or energetic substances) at social gatherings (festivals) transport locations (airports etc) and border entry points is gaining increasing interest as a means to enhance security and ensure public safety. Rapid analysis of such samples is now possible with the improvement of ambient ionization techniques (in this case a novel thermal desorption ionization source) and a compact, deployable Mass Spectrometric system. This study demonstrates the capability of such a system to perform real-time targeted library matching, delivering results in under 20 seconds.

Methods

Samples of narcotics (positive ion mode) or energetic material residues (negative ion mode) were analyzed using a WatersTM RADIANTM ASAP or TD-MS detector using corona discharge ionization. The nature of the compounds dictate the energy needed to fragment the targeted analytes and hence different methods for narcotics and explosives were required.

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