Cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry microscope mode mass spectrometry imaging.
BACKGROUND
Microscope mode imaging for secondary ion mass spectrometry is a technique with the promise of simultaneous high spatial resolution and high-speed imaging of biomolecules from complex surfaces. Technological developments such as new position-sensitive detectors, in combination with polyatomic primary ion sources, are required to exploit the full potential of microscope mode mass spectrometry imaging, i.e. to efficiently push the limits of ultra-high spatial resolution, sample throughput and sensitivity.


METHODS
In this work, a C60 primary source was combined with a commercial mass microscope for microscope mode secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging. The detector setup is a pixelated detector from the Medipix/Timepix family with high-voltage post-acceleration capabilities. The system's mass spectral and imaging performance is tested with various benchmark samples and thin tissue sections.


RESULTS
The high secondary ion yield (with respect to 'traditional' monatomic primary ion sources) of the C60 primary ion source and the increased sensitivity of the high voltage detector setup improve microscope mode secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging. The analysis time and the signal-to-noise ratio are improved compared with other microscope mode imaging systems, all at high spatial resolution.


CONCLUSIONS
We have demonstrated the unique capabilities of a C60 ion microscope with a Timepix detector for high spatial resolution microscope mode secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging.
FOM Institute AMOLF, Science Park 104, 1098 XG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
András
A
Kiss
Donald F
DF
Smith
Julia H
JH
Jungmann
Ron M A
RM
Heeren
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000737:chemistry; D037741:Fullerenes / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D059629:Signal-To-Noise Ratio; D012964:Sodium / Q000737:chemistry; D018629:Spectrometry, Mass, Secondary Ion / Q000379:methods*
D037741:Fullerenes; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D002784:Cholesterol; D012964:Sodium; C006798:brilliant green; C069837:fullerene C60