Research

MION Orbitrap Bundles

Detect everything from volatile hydrocarbons to highly oxygenated molecules in a single, real-time measurement system—now with all–solid-state reagent sources.
Whether in the lab or in the field, our turnkey bundle pairs MION2 with the Orbitrap Exploris™ HRAM mass spectrometer — with solid-state reagents for nitrate (NO₃⁻), uronium (from urea), and fluoranthene — to deliver:
• Unmatched chemical coverage (VOCs through HOMs to bases).
• Ultra-high mass resolution (up to 240 000)
Rapid polarity switching synchronized with reagent changes.
• Flexible sampling modes (direct gas, thermal desorption, filter).
Empower your atmospheric studies with a truly holistic, all-in-one solution.

Online
system

The online sampling solution is built on the Multi-scheme chemical ionization inlet (MION2) coupled with an Orbitrap Exploris mass spectrometer, together enabling Multi-Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MPCI-MS). This configuration combines ultra-high mass resolution (up to 240,000) and MS/MS capabilities for detailed molecular analysis across a wide range of compound classes. MION2 operates at ambient pressure, generating soft chemical ionization conditions where reagent ions form clusters or undergo ion–molecule reactions with analytes. This allows exceptional sensitivity, with detection limits reaching the part-per-quadrillion (ppq) range—ideal for trace gas and VOC monitoring.By incorporating both high- and low-pressure ionization paths, the system enables simultaneous detection of volatile hydrocarbons and highly functionalized compounds in a single, real-time measurement. MPCI-MS is a powerful and flexible platform for advanced atmospheric and environmental research.
MION2

Offline prototype

Currently in collaborative development with our academic partners, this workflow integrates a Thermal Desorption Unit and MION2 inlet with the Orbitrap Exploris™ HRAM mass spectrometer to form a cutting-edge MPCI-MS prototype. Samples collected on filters are thermally desorbed, then pass through MION2’s dual-pressure ionization into the Orbitrap (up to 240 000 resolution, full MS/MS) for broad-spectrum compound detection.
‍
• Efficient Capture: filters rapidly trap mostly aerosol-phase species.
• Cost-Effective: Reusable cassette holders simplify sample exchange.
• Under Validation: Ideal for detailed offline analysis of trace, long-lived compounds in environmental and ambient-air studies—now undergoing performance validation.

Mass Spectrometer

MION2 is bundled with the Orbitrap Exploris™ high resolution accurate mass (HRAM) mass spectrometer, delivering a turnkey MPCI-MS solution. Synchronized polarity switching and integrated low-pressure fluoranthene ionization enable near-simultaneous detection of everything from volatile organics to highly oxygenated molecules—no swapping instruments, no compromises.

Data Analysis

The upcoming data analysis tool will provide a unique user experience. The software is an advanced solution with the possibilities to store, manage and process all your measurements with less effort. As we prepare to publicly launch the software, we invite users to become a part of our beta testing group and help us finalize the details. Contact us if you are interested.

Resources

Mobile Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry: Stability and Performance in Motion

Historically, Orbitrap mass spectrometers have been considered large, power-intensive, and lab-bound instruments -- but times have changed!
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Analytical Chemistry: Introducing Multi-Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry

MPCIMS enables simultaneous detection of Volatile Organic Compounds and their oxidized reaction products within a single gas stream.
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Analytical Chemistry: Fast Polarity Switching of Chemical Ionization Orbitrap MS

The polarity switching MION-Orbitrap system is shown to be a versatile and powerful technique for the online analysis of a wide range of reactive trace species.
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AMT: Multiphysical description of chemical ionisation in MION2

A detailed comparison of two atmospheric pressure interface CIMS inlets: the MION2 inlet and the Eisele type inlet.
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News

Karsa Presenting at ASMS 2025 in Baltimore

28.5.2025
Research
Karsa will be attending the ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics in Baltimore, June 1–5, 2025. Our team will present new developments in chemical ionization mass spectrometry, including novel reagents, instrumentation, and application workflows.
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Karsa at EGU 2025 – Join Us in Vienna!

25.4.2025
Research
Karsa is heading to the EGU General Assembly 2025 in Vienna, where we’ll be sharing our latest research and connecting with the atmospheric science community. Join us at our MION user get-together on Thursday evening, featuring a live demo of the MION2-Orbitrap system at TU Vienna and a casual dinner to follow.
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Introducing Uronium CIMS

24.4.2025
Research
As part of our ongoing mission to simplify and strengthen gas-phase chemical analysis, we’re thrilled to introduce uronium—a reagent cation that brings attomole-level sensitivity to positive-mode CIMS with minimal fuss. By leveraging X-ray desorption of solid urea, uronium CIMS delivers reliable, ultra-trace detection of moderately oxygenated and basic VOCs and SVOCs at ambient pressure
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