My current research focuses on exploring and testing new primary ion sources developed in collaboration with Ionoptika to expand the capabilities of ToF-SIMS for the analysis of organic and biological samples.  Although current primary ion sources available, particularly C₆₀ allow molecular depth profiling and 3D molecular imaging to be performed, not all samples can be analysed using these beams. Thus it is important to explore the potential of other candidates. I am currently working with an argon giant cluster ion beam to assess its ability for molecular depth profiling in terms of damage accumulation, sputter rates and secondary ion yields in comparison with other ion sources. Furthermore the potential of this ion source for molecular imaging is also being explored.

I am also working on another research project involving mass spectrometric imaging for 2D and 3D cellular characterisation of single cells and tissue sections using the newly developed 3D Chemical Imager SIMS instrument.

My PhD was based on advancing the technique ToF-SIMS for the analysis of single cells on a sub-cellular scale. This involved proving the concept and potential of a novel SIMS instrument, the J105 3D Chemical Imager, developed in collaboration with Ionoptika. Initially standard organic samples were used for analysis to show the current performance of the J105 with respect to a conventional ToF-SIMS instrument. This was followed by analysis of single cells in 2D and 3D modes. The data generated show molecular localization on a sub-cellular scale with high mass resolution.

Publications