Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 120 Mass Spectrometer - PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Significance of the Topic

The Orbitrap Exploris 120 mass spectrometer represents a next-generation quadrupole-Orbitrap instrument that balances high-resolution accurate-mass performance with streamlined operations. Its development addresses the demand for robust, high-throughput targeted screening and quantitation in pharmaceutical, environmental, and clinical laboratories, enhancing analytical precision while reducing routine maintenance burdens.

Objectives and Overview

This overview describes the design principles, operational workflow, and key performance metrics of the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 120. Building on established hardware and software architectures, it integrates user feedback to deliver a compact system optimized for everyday laboratory applications, aiming to simplify method development, accelerate sample throughput, and maintain mass accuracy over extended periods.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Ion Source: OptaMax NG H-ESI II probe with heated electrospray ionization, non-heated low-flow calibrant sprayer, and sweep gas for reduced chemical noise; flow range 1–1,000 µL/min.
• Ion Optics: Heated transfer tube, S-lens stacked-ring ion guide, Advanced Active Beam Guide (AABG), segmented quadrupole mass filter (0.4–1,200 Da isolation width).
• Mass Analyzer: High-field Orbitrap with 4 kV central electrode, low-noise pre-amplifier, and Independent Charge Detector for reliable AGC control.
• Ion-Routing Multipole (IRM): High-energy collisional dissociation with selectable collision energies and nitrogen collision gas.
• Vacuum System: Compact six-stage turbo pump design with ultra-high vacuum technology to maximize ion transmission.
• Calibration: EASY-IC internal reference source for <1 ppm RMS mass accuracy over at least five days; external and lock-mass calibration options.
• Software: Xcalibur and Chromeleon control; drag-and-drop method editor; application templates for Full MS, DDA, tMS2, tSIM, DIA, AIF; TraceFinder and Compound Discoverer for downstream analysis.

Main Results and Discussion

• Mass Range: m/z 40–3,000 with up to 120,000 resolution at m/z 200.
• Scan Rate: Up to 22 Hz at 15,000 resolution; rapid polarity switching yields >1.4 Hz full-scan cycles.
• Mass Accuracy: External calibration <3 ppm RMS over 24 h; lock mass <1 ppm; EASY-IC <1 ppm for five days.
• Sensitivity: MS/MS detection of 200 fg reserpine on column (S/N 100:1); targeted SIM S/N 250:1.
• Dynamic Range: >5,000 in a single Orbitrap spectrum; multiplexing up to 2 precursors (tMS2) and up to 20 compounds (tSIM, DIA).
• Workflow Flexibility: Multiple timed experiments; mild trapping for labile analytes; fixed and stepped collision energy modes.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Exploris 120 streamlines high-resolution mass spectrometry by combining automated calibration, intuitive method setup, and robust hardware in a bench-top footprint. Laboratories benefit from sustained mass accuracy, reduced downtime, and enhanced throughput for pharmaceutical QC, environmental monitoring, and proteomic assays.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Future developments may integrate machine learning for automated method optimization, expand multiplexed quantitation in complex matrices, and couple with complementary separations such as ion mobility. The platform is poised for applications in single-cell metabolomics, imaging mass spectrometry, and ambient ionization.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 120 offers a compelling balance of sensitivity, resolution, and ease of use for high-throughput targeted analyses. Its innovative hardware, comprehensive software ecosystem, and reliable calibration workflows make it an ideal solution for laboratories requiring consistent HRAM performance with minimal maintenance.

References

• Thermo Fisher Scientific. Orbitrap Exploris Mass Spectrometer Product Specifications. PS65655-EN. 2020.