For the second year in a row (see IBO 6/15/13), IBO has selected another addition to Thermo Fisher Scientifc’s Orbitrap MS family, the Q Exactive HF Benchtop Orbitrap MS, as the product of the show. The Q Exactive features resolving power of 240,000 (200 m/z, 1.5 Hz), increased scan speed of up to 18 Hz (200 m/z, 15,000) and increased dynamic range. The combination of these added capabilities results in an even more formidable challenge to Q-TOF than previously available on the Q Exactive. The HF raises the bar in the continuing challenge presented by omics-application requirements.

The system employs a quadrupole mass filter for better precursor isolation for increased sensitivity and quantitative dynamic range. The benchtop system is built on the Q Exactive Plus platform and features a high-field Orbitrap analyzer that doubles the speed and resolution. The system is benchmarked with a mass range between 50 m/z and 6,000 m/z. The Q Exactive HF also has a mass accuracy of less than 1 ppm with internal calibration. The system utilizes a smaller Orbitrap design and new lenses for focusing ions into the entrance, allowing for a 1.8x improvement in speed and resolution over the standard Orbitrap. The system is targeted at qualitative and quantitative omics applications and can be equipped with an optional mode for intact protein.