#brigham young university

New mini tool has massive implications

Compact mass spectrometer more conducive to applications for space exploration, homeland security, and more

Brigham Young University researchers have created a miniaturized, portable version of a tool now capable of analyzing Mars’ atmosphere – and that’s just one of its myriad possible uses.

For decades mass spectrometers have offered a relatively fast and highly sensitive way to analyze and detect chemical compounds. But their bulky size has been a hindrance, limiting their in-field potential.

But after spending 12 years exploring the problem, BYU chemistry professor Daniel Austin, joined by electrical engineering professor Aaron Hawkins and other colleagues, has developed a much smaller spectrometer that still has the capabilities of its larger counterparts.

“The goal was to take what would otherwise be a huge, benchtop instrument to something that’s small enough to carry with you,” said Austin, whose team’s findings were recently published in the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry.

Read more.