Mass Spectrometry, Ion Beam Imaging and Nanopore Sensing
This community develops and applies high-resolution analytical techniques for identifying, imaging, and manipulating molecules and surfaces at the atomic and nanoscale level.
The work centers on mass spectrometry (including MALDI and tandem MS), ion beam microscopy (helium and focused ion beams), and nanopore-based detection. Recurring applications include spatially resolved molecular mapping, extreme ultraviolet lithography, and single-molecule protein sequencing. Methods frequently involve laser desorption/ionization, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and the fabrication of silicon nitride or glass nanopores. The research spans analytical chemistry, surface science, and nanofabrication, with a strong emphasis on improving sensitivity, resolution, and throughput for complex biological and material samples.
Silicon research accounts for 751 papers, representing 0.2% of all silicon research tracked, while helium research contributes 482 papers, representing 0.5% of all helium research tracked.
The community comprises 7,550 papers, publishing most frequently in Analytical Chemistry, Microscopy and Microanalysis, and Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry.
Recent work focuses on subcellular mass spectrometry imaging of lipids and nucleotides, nanopore-based sensing for biomarker detection, and the development of tin-oxo nanocluster photoresists for extreme ultraviolet lithography.