COLUMBIA, Md., January 13, 2009 — Shimadzu Scientific Instruments introduces the new compact LCMS-2020 single quadrupole mass spectrometer, which features the world’s fastest scanning capabilities.

Utilizing patent pending ultrafast (UF) technology, the LCMS-2020 has faster measurement speed and significantly higher sensitivity than any other single quadrupole analyzer. This provides more accurate detection of trace impurities in pharmaceuticals, environmental pollutants and other contaminants. The new UFscanning technology achieves mass spectrum measurement speeds of 15,000 u/sec without sacrificing sensitivity or resolution, thus obtaining the best chromatography for the fastest LC conditions. The novel UFswitching technology achieves industry-leading 15 ms polarity switching, enabling accurate data from even the fastest chromatographic peaks without any loss of peak height.

Shimadzu redesigned the ion transfer section to provide 50 to 300 percent greater sensitivity than other quadrupole analyzers for commonly measured substances. Users can now inject less and keep the analyzer cleaner, longer. It also has improved high mass operation with sensitivity increased by more than 500 percent for masses above 1,000. In addition to better performance, the LCMS-2020 allows easier maintenance, permitting users to replace the ionization unit and inlet capillary to the MS from the LC, without breaking the vacuum.

“We have introduced the LCMS-2020 to give our customers more options for separation performance and productivity,” said Takeshi Kawami, president, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments.

LCMS-2020 control and data processing are handled by an updated version of LCMSsolution software. The new software easily displays multiple sets of LC or MS data, allowing overlay and analysis of multiple data results for easy searching and comparison. The new software controls the LCMS-2020 and is fully integrated with Shimadzu’s Prominence Series of ultrafast and nano HPLCs.