Trace detection of chemical agents by ion mobility spectrometry

Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) has been employed for trace detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) for decades, owing to its high sensitivity, rapid response time, and compact design. Its ability to identify a wide range of toxic chemicals with minimal sample preparation has made it a cornerstone technology in military and security applications.

IMS-based detectors are widely used in field operations and fixed installations to screen for trace amounts of CWAs, providing near-instantaneous detection of threats such as nerve and blister agents. These systems combine picogram-level sensitivity with low false alarm rates, ensuring reliable operation in diverse environments, from checkpoints to combat zones.

Analytical Detection’s technology platform, the BeagleX™ 100, demonstrates the best resolution and accuracy in field-portable IMS—making it an ideal candidate for this market.