Thermo Scientific DSQ Series User manual

Xcalibur
Ion Trap and DSQ
Series
Direct Probe System User’s Guide
119327-0001 Revision G April 29, 2008

© 2009 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. Xcalibur™, DSQ, DSQ II, TRACE DSQ, TRACE GC,
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protections provided by the equipment may be impaired. If you maintain a system outside the specifications
listed in this guide, failures of many types may occur. The repair of such failures is specifically excluded from
the standard Warranty and service contract coverage.
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The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. All technical information in this
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Release history: Rev G April 2008, Rev F August 2006, Rev E May 2005. Rev D March 2004. Rev C July
1999. Rev B May 1998. Rev A May 1997.
For Research Use Only. Not regulated for medical or veterinary diagnostic use by U.S. Federal Drug
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Regulatory Compliance
Thermo Fisher Scientific performs complete testing and evaluation of its products to ensure full compliance with
applicable domestic and international regulations. When the system is delivered to you, it meets all pertinent
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety standards as described below.
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
EMC compliance has been evaluated by Professional Testing.
• PolarisQ, ITQ, and Ion Trap Series standards: EMC EN 55011:1998 + EN 50082-1:1998, Safety EN 61010-
1:1990 + A1:1992 + A2:1995
• DSQ standards: EMC EN 61326-1:1998 + A1:1998. Safety EN 61010-1:1990 + A1:1992 + A2:1995
• DSQ II standards: EMC EN 61326-1:1997 + A1:1998 + A2:2001. Safety EN 61010-1:2001
• Direct Probe Controller (DPC) standards: EMC EN 55011:1991 + EN 50082-1:1992. Safety EN 61010-1:1994
Low Voltage Safety Compliance
This device complies with Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and harmonized standard EN 61010-1:2001. Changes
that you make to your system may void compliance with one or more of these EMC and safety standards. Changes to
your system include replacing a part or adding components, options, or peripherals not specifically authorized and
qualified by Thermo Fisher Scientific. To ensure continued compliance with EMC and safety standards, replacement
parts and additional components, options, and peripherals must be ordered from Thermo Fisher Scientific or one of its
authorized representatives.
FCC Compliance Statement
Certifications, FCC part 15, Class A
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy. If it is not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, it may cause harmful interference to radio communication. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference. In this case, users will be required to correct the
interference at their own expense. Detailed installation requirements are in the respective instrument’s
preinstallation guide.

WARNING Read and understand the various precautionary notes, signs, and symbols contained
inside this manual pertaining to the safe use and operation of this product before using the device.
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Notice on the Susceptibility
to Electromagnetic Transmissions
Your instrument is designed to work in a controlled electromagnetic environment. Do not use radio frequency
transmitters, such as mobile phones, in close proximity to the instrument.
For manufacturing location, see the label on the instrument.

Thermo Scientific Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide ix
C
Reader’s Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Customer Registration Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiii
About Your System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiii
Power Ratings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiv
Safety Alerts and Special Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiv
Safety Symbols and Signal Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv
Contacting Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xvi
To contact Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi
To contact Customer Service for ordering information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii
To suggest changes to documentation or to Instrument Help . . . . . . . . . . xvii
Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii
Chapter 1 Using a Direct Insertion Probe (DIP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
How the Direct Probe System Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Analyzing Cholesterol with the Ion Trap Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 1: Connect the Direct Probe System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Step 2: Change the Ion Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Step 3: Deselect AS and GC Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Step 4: Tune and Calibrate the Mass Spectrometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 5: Program the DPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
To retrieve methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 6: Prepare the Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 7: Create a Method File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 8: Create a Sequence File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Step 9: Insert the Probe Using Xcalibur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Step 10: Remove the Probe Using Xcalibur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Step 11: Analyze the Data File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Analyzing Cholesterol with the DSQ Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Step 1: Connect the Direct Probe System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Step 2: Change the Ion Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Step 3: Deselect AS and GC Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Step 4: Tune and Calibrate the Mass Spectrometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Step 5: Program the DPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Contents

Contents
xIon Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide Thermo Scientific
To retrieve methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Step 6: Prepare the Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Step 7: Create a Method File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Step 8: Create a Sequence File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Step 9: Insert the Probe Using Xcalibur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Step 10: Remove the Probe Using Xcalibur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Step 11: Analyze the Data File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Loading DIP Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Loading Liquid Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Loading Solid Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Cleaning the DIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Top Terms To Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
DIP Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Probe Shaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Probe Tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Sample Cups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Top Safeguards to Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Hints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Chapter 2 Using a Direct Exposure Probe (DEP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
How the Direct Probe System Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Analyzing Cholesterol with the Ion Trap Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Step 1: Connect the Direct Probe System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Step 2: Change the Ion Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Step 3: Deselect AS and GC Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Step 4: Tune and Calibrate the Mass Spectrometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Step 5: Program the DPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
To retrieve methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Step 6: Prepare the Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Step 7: Create a Method File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Step 8: Create a Sequence File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Step 9: Insert the Probe Using Xcalibur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Step 10: Remove the Probe Using Xcalibur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Step 11: Analyze the Data File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Analyzing Cholesterol with the DSQ Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Step 1: Connect the Direct Probe System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Step 2: Change the Ion Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Step 3: Deselect AS and GC Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Step 4: Tune and Calibrate the Mass Spectrometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Step 5: Program the DPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Contents
Thermo Scientific Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide xi
To retrieve methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Step 6: Prepare the Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Step 7: Create a Method File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Step 8: Create a Sequence File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Step 9: Insert the Probe Using Xcalibur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Step 10: Remove the Probe Using Xcalibur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Step 11: Analyze the Data File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Loading DEP Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Loading Liquid Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Loading Solid Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Cleaning the DEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Top Terms to Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
DEP Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Probe Shaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Probe Tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Top Safeguards to Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Hints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Chapter 3 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Who to Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Customer Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Spare Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Technical Publications Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Detuning the Instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Getting Spare Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Abbreviations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Contents
xii Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

Thermo Scientific Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide xiii
P
Preface
This guide is written for users with minimal or no prior experience with the Ion Trap and
DSQ Series or mass spectrometry. It also contains instructions on getting your instrument
connected to the DPC and the sample probe of choice.
The Direct Probe Controller (DPC) is used to communicate information from a sample
probe (DIP or DEP) to the mass spectrometer. The DPC also allows you to enter heating and
data acquisition parameters to the mass spectrometer. Direct probe systems allow rapid
sample screening for any application that do not require a gas chromatograph (GC) column
separation. Another advantage to using a DIP or a DEP is to have a wide range of samples to
volatilize directly into the ion source.
Safety Alerts and Special Notices
Make sure you follow the precautionary notices presented in this guide. Safety and other
special notices appear in boxes and include the following:
WARNING This is the general warning safety symbol and safety alert word to prevent
actions that could cause personal injury. It highlights hazards to humans or the
environment. Each WARNING safety alert is preceded with this safety symbol and
another appropriate safety symbol (see “Safety Symbols and Signal Words” on page xv.)
Then it is followed with an appropriate safety precautionary message. When you see a
safety alert on your instrument or in the publications, please carefully follow the safety
instructions before proceeding.
CAUTION This is the safety alert word to prevent actions that may cause personal injury
or instrument damage. We use it to highlight information necessary to prevent personal
injury or damage to software, loss of data, or invalid test results; or might contain
information that is critical for optimal system performance. A CAUTION safety alert is
always preceded with an appropriate safety symbol (see “Safety Symbols and Signal
Words” on page xv.) Then it is followed with an appropriate safety precautionary message.
When you see a safety alert on your instrument or in the publications, please carefully
follow the safety instructions before proceeding.
IMPORTANT Highlights information necessary to prevent damage to software, loss of
data, or invalid test results; or might contain information that is critical for optimal
performance of the system.

Preface
Safety Alerts and Special Notices
xiv Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide Thermo Scientific
Safety Symbols and Signal Words
All safety symbols are followed by a WARNING or CAUTION safety alert word, which indicate
the degree of risk for personal injury and/or instrument damage. Safety alert words are
followed by the safety symbol’s signal word, such as CAUTION BURN HAZARD or WARNING
BURN HAZARD. A WARNING alerts to prevent improper actions that could cause personal
injury. Whereas, a CAUTION alerts to prevent improper actions that may cause personal injury
and/or instrument damage. When you see a safety alert on your instrument or in the
publications, please carefully follow the safety instructions before proceeding. Safety symbols
that may be found on your instrument and/or in this manual include the following:
Note Highlights information of general interest.
Tip Helpful information that can make a task easier.
BURN HAZARD. This symbol indicates a hot surface that could or may cause
burn injuries.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. This symbol indicates that an electrical shock
could or may occur.
FIRE HAZARD. This symbol indicates a risk of fire or flammability, or that
fire/flammability damage could or may occur.
FLAMMABLE GAS HAZARD. This symbol alerts you to gases that are
compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure and can ignite on contact
with an ignition source. This symbol indicates this risk could or may cause
physical injury.
GLOVES REQUIRED. This symbol indicates the user must wear gloves when
performing the sequence or physical injury could or may occur.
HAND AND CHEMICAL HAZARD. This symbol indicates that chemical
damage or physical injury could or may occur.
INSTRUMENT DAMAGE. This symbol indicates that damage to the
instrument or module may occur. This damage may not be covered under the
standard warranty.
LIFTING HAZARD. This symbol indicates two or more people are required to
lift the object to prevent a physical injury, which could or may occur.

Preface
Contacting Us
Thermo Scientific Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide xv
Contacting Us
There are several ways to contact Thermo Fisher Scientific.
YTo contact Technical Support
Find software updates and utilities to download at http://mssupport.thermo.com.
YTo contact Customer Service for ordering information
MATERIAL AND EYE HAZARD. This symbol indicates that eye damage could
or may occur.
RADIOACTIVE. This symbol indicates the presence of radioactive material
could or may occur.
READ MANUAL. This symbol alerts you to carefully read your instrument’s
operational instructions before usage to ensure your safety and the
instrument’s operational ability. Failing to carefully read the instructions could
or may put you at risk for a physical injury.
TOXIC SUBSTANCES HAZARD. This symbol indicates that exposure to a
toxic substance will, could,or may cause personal injury or death.
This is the general warning symbol that the ISO 3864-2 standard refers to as
the general warning signal to prevent personal injury. It is a triangle with an
exclamation mark that precedes the WARNING safety alert word. In the
vocabulary of ANSI Z535 signage, this symbol indicates a possible personal
injury hazard exists if the instrument is improperly used or if unsafe actions
occur. We use this symbol and another appropriate safety symbol to alert to
an imminent or potential hazard that could cause personal injury.
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail [e-mail]
Knowledge base www.thermokb.com
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Web site http://www.thermo.com/com/cda/resources/resources_
detail/1,,12512,00.html

Preface
Related Documentation
xvi Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide Thermo Scientific
YTo suggest changes to documentation or to Instrument Help
• Fill out a reader survey online at www.thermo.com/lcms-techpubs.
• Send an e-mail message to the Technical Publications Editor at
[e-mail].
Related Documentation
In addition to this guide, Thermo Scientific provides the following documents, which are also
available on a “Print-By-Request” basis:
DSQ Document Set, PN 120156
• DSQ Preinstallation Guide, PN 120156-0001
• DSQ Hardware Manual, PN 120156-0002
• DSQ User’s Guide, PN 120156-0003
DSQ II Document Set, PN 120299
• DSQ II Preinstallation Guide, PN 120299-0001
• DSQ II Hardware Manual, PN 120299-0002
• DSQ II User’s Guide, PN 120299-0003
Ion Trap Series Document Set, PN 120425-0ALL
• ITQ Preinstallation Guide, PN 120425-00PI
• Ion Trap Series Hardware Manual, PN 120425-00HW
• Ion Trap Series User’s Guide, PN 120425-USER
PolarisQ Document Set, PN 120000
• PolarisQ Preinstallation Guide, PN 120011
• PolarisQ Hardware Manual, PN 120010
• PolarisQ User’s Guide, PN 120014
Instrument Help is available from within the software.

Preface
About Your System
Thermo Scientific Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide xvii
About Your System
Thermo Fisher Scientific systems provide the highest caliber gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry (GC/MS) instrumentation available on today’s market.
GC/MS represents a combination of two powerful analytical techniques: GC, which acts as a
separation technique and MS, which acts as a detection technique. Complex mixtures of
individual compounds can be injected into the GC, either manually or through the use of an
optional autosampler, and then separated for presentation to the MS. The MS will then
generate a mass spectrum of the GC eluent and its components, which can be used for
qualitative identification as well as accurate and precise quantification of the individual
compounds present in the sample.
Power Ratings
Mass Spectrometer (MS)
• 120 V ac +6/-10%, 50/60 Hz, 15 A max
• 230 V ac ±10%, 50/60 Hz, 10 A max
Gas Chromatograph (GC)
• 120 V ac +6%/-10%, 50/60 Hz, 16 A max
• 230 V ac ±10%, 50/60 Hz, 16 A max
Detailed instrument specifications are in the Product Specification or Product Brochure.
IMPORTANT Thermo Fisher Scientific systems are designed to optimize both the
separation and detection capabilities of GC/MS techniques and combine them in a
synergistic fashion to provide high performance analytical capabilities for both research
and routine applications. More information on the use of this system can be found in
related documentation sources and through the provided contact information.
WARNING Thermo Fisher Scientific systems operate safely and reliably under carefully
controlled environmental conditions. If the equipment is used in manner not specified by
the manufacturer, the protections provided by the equipment may be impaired. If you
maintain a system outside the specifications listed in this guide, failures of many types,
including personal injury or death, may occur. The repair of instrument failures caused by
operation in a manner not specified by the manufacturer is specifically excluded from the
Standard Warranty and service contract coverage.

Preface
xviii Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

Thermo Scientific Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide 1
1
Using a Direct Insertion Probe (DIP)
This chapter explains how to use the DIP with either the Ion Trap or the DSQ series
instruments.
The Direct Insertion Probe (DIP) is also referred to as a solids probe. It allows you to
introduce solid or liquid samples directly into the ion source, which is used to rapidly analyze
solids or trace components in solid matrices.
Typical samples may include:
•ForensicSamples
• Tissue Samples
Contents
•“How the Direct Probe System Works” on page 2
•“Analyzing Cholesterol with the Ion Trap Series” on page 4
•“Analyzing Cholesterol with the DSQ Series” on page 20
•“Loading DIP Samples” on page 35
•“Loading Liquid Samples” on page 36
•“Loading Solid Samples” on page 37
•“Cleaning the DIP” on page 37
•“Top Terms To Know” on page 38
•“Top Safeguards to Know” on page 40
•“Hints” on page 40

1Using a Direct Insertion Probe (DIP)
How the Direct Probe System Works
2Ion Trap and DSQ Series Direct Probe System User’s Guide Thermo Scientific
How the Direct Probe System Works
The Direct Probe System is a sample probe (Direct Insertion Probe [DIP] or Direct Exposure
Probe [DEP]) connected to the Direct Probe Controller (DPC), which then connects to the
mass spectrometer.
Figure 1. DPC and Sample Probe (Front View)
Item Description PN Item Description PN
1 DIP or DEP
Sample Probe
119300-ODIP or
119300-ODEP
3DPCKeypad
2DPCExternal
Cable to Probe
119303-0001 4 DPC Remote
Start Cable to
mass
spectrometer
ACCESSORY
START,
DB9F-DIN
119378-0032
3
1
2
4