<p><strong>In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Dr. Lee Polite from Axion Training Institute to break down one of analytical chemistry's most powerful yet misunderstood techniques: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).</strong></p><h4><strong>What You'll Learn:</strong></h4><ul><li>Why <strong>GC and MS are the "perfect pair"</strong> – and what happens when you try to use MS alone</li><li><strong>The electron gun:</strong> how molecules get ionized and why they become positively charged (not negatively!)</li><li>The <strong>magnetic sector vs. quadrupole</strong>: from first principles to modern mass filtering</li><li>Why Dr. Lee uses the "<strong>corkscrew trajectory</strong>" analogy – and why it actually works</li><li><strong>The cars and boats analogy:</strong> how fragmentation creates a unique molecular fingerprint</li><li><strong>Scan mode vs. SIM (</strong>Selected Ion Monitoring): when to use each for identification vs. sensitivity</li><li><strong>Real-world forensics</strong>: detecting pesticides in spinach and cocaine in hair follicles</li><li><strong>Triple quad GC/MS</strong> and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (<strong>MRM)</strong>: the future of trace analysis</li></ul><h4><strong>Why This Matters:</strong></h4><p>Over 2 million chromatographs operate worldwide, yet most users don't truly understand how they work. Dr. Polite has trained more than 14,000 professional scientists at Axion Labs to move beyond "pushing buttons" to genuinely comprehending the science. This conversation is designed for undergraduate students, academic researchers, and anyone preparing for analytical chemistry roles in pharma, environmental testing, or forensics.<br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>🎤 Dr. Lee Polite </strong>is a leading authority in analytical chromatography education and founder of Axion Training Institute, a real working laboratory where scientists come for hands-on GC and LC training. With nearly 30 years of experience and a PhD under Harold McNair (one of the grandfathers of modern chromatography), Dr. Polite is passionate about making complex instrumentation accessible to students and professionals alike.</p><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><p>Mass spectrometry has a reputation for being one of the most intimidating analytical techniques. According to Dr. Lee Polite, however, that reputation is undeserved. During a recent interview, the founder of Axion Analytical Labs shared how decades of teaching scientists—from undergraduate students to forensic chemists and even lawyers—have convinced him that virtually anyone can understand GC/MS when the concepts are explained correctly.</p><p>His approach relies less on equations and more on analogies, transforming complex physical principles into familiar everyday experiences.</p><h4><strong>The biggest misconception about mass spectrometry</strong></h4><p>"The first obstacle isn't the science—it's the belief that you'll never understand it."</p><p>That is the misconception Dr. Polite encounters most often. Students frequently enter chromatography or mass spectrometry courses assuming the subject is too complex for them.</p><p>His advice is simple: suspend that disbelief.</p><p>Rather than viewing GC/MS as one enormous complicated system, he encourages learners to see it as a collection of simple processes connected together. Once each individual step becomes clear, the entire instrument suddenly makes sense.</p><h4><strong>Teaching more than 14,000 scientists</strong></h4><p>Dr. Polite founded Axion Analytical Labs nearly three decades ago. Although it operates as a fully functional chromatography laboratory, its primary mission is education.</p><p>Scientists spend five days in the laboratory learning chromatography hands-on—disassembling instruments, rebuilding them, troubleshooting problems, and developing a practical understanding of how the technology works.</p><p>Over the years, Axion has trained more than <strong>14,000 scientists</strong>, along with hundreds of attorneys who need to understand analytical chemistry for courtroom testimony. Dr. Polite believes curiosity matters far more than formal education.</p><h4><strong>Why every GC needs a mass spectrometer—and every mass spectrometer needs a GC</strong></h4><p>One of the interview's clearest explanations addresses a question many beginners ask:</p><h5><strong>Why do we combine gas chromatography with mass spectrometry?</strong></h5><p>The answer lies in the strengths and weaknesses of each technique.</p><p>Mass spectrometers excel at identifying pure compounds, but they struggle with complex mixtures. Real-world samples—environmental extracts, food, pharmaceuticals, forensic evidence—are almost always mixtures.</p><p>Gas chromatography solves this problem by separating the mixture into individual components before they reach the mass spectrometer.</p><p>As Dr. Polite summarizes:</p><blockquote><p>GC provides the separation power. Mass spectrometry provides the identification power.</p></blockquote><p>Without chromatographic separation, overlapping compounds generate confusing spectra that are difficult—or impossible—to interpret correctly.</p><h4><strong>Explaining chromatography with a shopping mall</strong></h4><p>Perhaps Dr. Polite's most famous teaching analogy compares chromatography to walking through a shopping mall.</p><p>Imagine two people standing on a moving walkway. One walks straight through the mall, while the other repeatedly leaves the walkway to browse clothing stores, shoe stores, and accessory shops.</p><p>Although both entered together, they exit at different times.</p><p>Chromatographic separation works in exactly the same way. Every compound enters the column simultaneously, but molecules interact differently with the stationary phase. Those with stronger interactions spend more time "shopping" and therefore elute later.</p><p>The analogy immediately illustrates retention time without requiring advanced chemistry.</p><h4><strong>How can a mass spectrometer "weigh" molecules?</strong></h4><p>Another concept that often confuses students is molecular weight determination.</p><p>Since molecules are far too small to weigh directly, mass spectrometers first convert neutral molecules into ions using electron impact ionization.</p><p>Once charged, the ions can be manipulated by electric or magnetic fields.</p><p>Dr. Polite introduces the concept by first describing the historical magnetic sector instrument before moving to the quadrupole mass filter used in most modern GC/MS systems.</p><p>His explanation replaces intimidating mathematics with a simple idea: only ions having the correct mass-to-charge ratio can successfully travel through the quadrupole and reach the detector.</p><h4><strong>Fragmentation: the molecular fingerprint</strong></h4><p>Simply measuring molecular weight rarely identifies a compound uniquely.</p><p>The real power of GC/MS comes from fragmentation.</p><p>High-energy electrons break molecules into characteristic fragments that create a unique mass spectrum—a molecular fingerprint.</p><p>To explain this process, Dr. Polite asks readers to imagine a car packed with explosives. After the explosion, investigators identify the vehicle by examining scattered components such as wheels, doors, and the steering wheel.</p><p>Mass spectrometry works the same way.</p><p>Each fragment contributes evidence that allows software libraries, such as NIST, to determine compound identity with remarkable confidence.</p><h4><strong>Scan mode versus SIM mode</strong></h4><p>The interview also explores the practical difference between scan acquisition and Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM).</p><p>Scan mode records a complete mass spectrum and is ideal for identifying unknown compounds.</p><p>SIM, on the other hand, focuses only on a few selected ions, dramatically increasing sensitivity.</p><p>Using pesticide analysis as an example, Dr. Polite demonstrates how compounds that are almost invisible in full-scan chromatograms become obvious when monitored using SIM.</p><h4><strong>Why triple quadrupoles dominate trace analysis</strong></h4><p>For laboratories measuring contaminants at parts-per-trillion concentrations, triple quadrupole instruments provide another major advantage.</p><p>Instead of monitoring only a single ion, tandem MS follows a specific fragmentation pathway—known as a transition—greatly reducing background interference.</p><p>This Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) approach enables highly selective quantification of pesticides, PFAS, pharmaceutical residues, and numerous other trace contaminants in extremely complex samples.</p><h4><strong>The chromatography lesson many users forget</strong></h4><p>One message appears repeatedly throughout the interview:</p><p><strong>Most GC/MS problems are actually chromatography problems.</strong></p><p>Poor separations inevitably produce poor mass spectra.</p><p>Dr. Polite argues that successful mass spectrometry begins with understanding chromatography fundamentals rather than relying on sophisticated detectors to compensate for inadequate separations.</p><h4><strong>Looking ahead</strong></h4><p>When asked about the future of mass spectrometry, Dr. Polite predicts continued improvements in sensitivity, smarter software, and increasing use of artificial intelligence.</p><p>AI could assist laboratories by automatically recognizing problematic chromatographic peaks, identifying developing instrument issues, and simplifying interpretation of increasingly complex datasets.</p><p>Yet despite these technological advances, he believes the fundamentals remain unchanged.</p><p>Scientists who understand chromatography, ionization, fragmentation, and data analysis will continue to benefit regardless of how instrumentation evolves.</p><h4><strong>Final thoughts</strong></h4><p>After teaching analytical chemistry for more than 30 years, Dr. Lee Polite remains convinced that mass spectrometry is not inherently difficult.</p><p>The challenge is rarely the science itself—it is finding the right explanation.</p><p>By combining memorable analogies with practical laboratory experience, he demonstrates that one of analytical chemistry's most powerful techniques can also be one of its most approachable.</p><blockquote><p><strong>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</strong></p><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

How Mass Spectrometry Actually Works: The Quadrupole Explained

<p><strong>In the weeks of August 3 and 10, the following webinars await you in the field of gas / solid phase and especially Raman, FTIR, GC and GC/MS.</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><h5><span><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Essential Techniques for Gas Chromatography Troubleshooting</strong></span></h5><ul><li>We, 5.8.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6354">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Master GC troubleshooting with a logical, systematic approach to diagnosing changing peak shapes and system issues by efficiently eliminating unlikely causes.</p><h5><span><strong>2. Agilent Technologies: Characterising Advanced Materials with the Agilent UV-Vis-NIR: From Thin Films and Solar Cells to Glass and Optical Coatings</strong></span></h5><ul><li>Th, 6.8.2026 07:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6396">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how Agilent UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometers support the characterization of thin films, solar cells, glass, optical coatings, and other advanced materials.</p><h5><span><strong>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: From Spectra to Mechanism: Using DRIFTS to Understand CO₂ Catalysis</strong></span></h5><ul><li>We, 12.8.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6404">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn how in situ DRIFTS can reveal surface species and reaction mechanisms during dry reforming of methane over ceria-supported catalysts.</p>

Webinars LabRulezGCMS Weeks 32-33/2026

<p><span><strong>This study evaluates the translation of helium-based methods to hydrogen carrier gas in cryogenically modulated comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS). Three translated methods were assessed using standard mixtures and validated with authentic fingermark residues for forensic nontargeted analysis.</strong></span></p><p><span>A method combining flow and temperature adjustments maintained comparable peak capacity, signal-to-noise ratio, peak shape, and resolution. Hydrogen also allowed the modulation period to be reduced by 50% and shortened total analysis time by up to 60%, improving sample throughput, energy efficiency, and the overall sustainability of GC×GC-MS workflows.</span></p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/ancham/article/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.6c03350/5214748/Hydrogen-Carrier-Gas-Method-Translation-in"><strong>Hydrogen Carrier Gas Method Translation in Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography for Sustainable Nontargeted Analysis</strong></a></h4><p>Kira M. Fisher; Emma L. Macturk; Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor*</p><p>Anal. Chem. (2026)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.6c03350">https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.6c03350</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><p><strong>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.</strong></p><div><div><p>Carrier gas serves as the mobile phase that transports analytes through the column for separation in one-dimensional gas chromatography (1D GC) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). Helium is traditionally used due to its inertness, but it is a finite resource obtained from natural gas with associated environmental impacts, including CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and potential water contamination. (<a href="javascript:;">1, 2</a>) Additional costs arise from extraction, transport, and handling of pressurized cylinders. As helium reserves decline and demand increases, prices have risen, limiting accessibility, particularly for routine or remote laboratory operations, and creating disparities across applications. (<a href="javascript:;">1, 3</a>) Although experienced users can translate methods from helium to hydrogen using advanced knowledge and tools, there is a growing need for simplified workflows to support end users in this transition.</p></div><div><p>Hydrogen carrier gas offers distinct advantages for GC compared to helium. As described by the van Deemter equation, hydrogen enables comparable efficiency to helium at a faster optimal linear velocity due to its lower viscosity and higher diffusivity. (<a href="javascript:;">4, 5</a>) This allows shorter analysis times without the loss of efficiency typically accompanied by increased helium flow rates, as observed by a flatter van Deemter curve for hydrogen than helium. For GC systems that use mass spectrometry (MS) detection, hydrogen is considered to be the most practical alternative to helium. Although nitrogen can be used in some specialized GC-MS applications, it is typically accompanied by a substantial decrease in S/N for conventional electron ionization. (<a href="javascript:;">6</a>) Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a critical alternative to helium for GC and GC×GC, mitigating challenges associated with helium’s limited availability and escalating cost. (<a href="javascript:;">7</a>)</p></div><div><p>The flammability risk associated with hydrogen can be minimized through generation in a laboratory rather than obtaining it in compressed cylinders. Cylinders of hydrogen are typically produced through the process of steam-methane reforming. Hydrogen generators typically use electrolysis, where water is split into oxygen gas and hydrogen gas using an electric current. (<a href="javascript:;">8, 9</a>) This generation process is more sustainable compared to nonrenewable, fossil fuel-derived alternatives for hydrogen gas production. (<a href="javascript:;">8</a>) Gas transportation costs are eliminated with in-house generation since the gas is produced and subsequently consumed in real time. The flammability risk is lower with in-house generation due to the reduced storage in pressurized cylinders avoiding the accumulation of flammable gas. (<a href="javascript:;">9</a>) Additionally, hydrogen poses a higher risk of reactivity with analytes in the sample. While analyte conversion is not well documented in the literature with hydrogen carrier gas, chemical reactivity considerations dictate that there could be a possible risk of reduction of oxygen-containing groups or hydrogenation of double bonds in aromatic or vinyl groups. Especially for nontargeted analyses performed using GC×GC, monitoring analyte identification during the translation process can help characterize challenges for the annotation of components.</p></div><div><p>While tools exist for translating 1D GC methods to hydrogen carrier gas, no established approaches are available for GC×GC. (<a href="javascript:;">10−12</a>) One study compared key GC parameters for helium and hydrogen but did not provide translation guidance. (<a href="javascript:;">13</a>) Existing 1D translation approaches do not account for the additional programmable parameters of GC×GC separations. The modulator and fast secondary separation introduce zones with parameters not addressed in 1D GC studies converting helium to hydrogen carrier gas, leaving a gap in understanding how to optimize hydrogen carrier gas for GC×GC-MS separations.</p></div><div><p>The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate an approach for converting cryogenically modulated GC×GC-MS systems from helium to hydrogen carrier gas. Chemical standards and a 1D translation tool were used to investigate parameters governing second dimension separations and chromatographic performance. The approach was subsequently tested on authentic fingermark samples as a forensic nontargeted profiling application.</p><h4><strong>Materials and Methods</strong></h4><h5><strong>Method Translation</strong></h5><p>Compound reactivity, resolution values for peak pairs, and other component metrics (e.g., peak area, S/N, tailing factor) were compared. The Pro EZGC Method Translator (Restek Corporation, Bellefonte, PA, USA) was implemented to provide three options: translate, efficiency, and speed. Standards were analyzed using helium and all three hydrogen method options. The helium method and its three respective hydrogen methods are shown below for the indoor air standard (<a href="javascript:;">Table 1</a>) and in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/ancham/article-supplement/5214748/pdf/ac6c03350_si_001/">Supporting Information</a> for Grob and linear alkane standards (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/ancham/article-supplement/5214748/pdf/ac6c03350_si_001/">Tables S1–S2</a>). Resulting parameters from the tool were entered as whole values into ChromaTOF software 5.58. The first-dimension peak capacity, second-dimension peak capacity, and net peak capacity of the method were calculated using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/83"><strong>Simply GC×GC software</strong></a> (LECO Corporation).</p><p>Analysis was performed on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/37"><strong>Pegasus BT 4D GC×GC</strong></a> with time-of-flight MS (TOFMS) and dual-stage quad-jet cryogenic modulation (LECO Corporation, Saint Joseph, MI) using liquid injection. The syringe was rinsed with solvent and sample twice, and 1 μL of sample was injected, followed by five rinses. The inlet split ratio was 20:1, and the inlet temperature was 250 <span>°</span>C. Helium was of ultra high purity at 99.999% (Airgas, Radnor, PA, USA). Hydrogen was supplied at the specified flow rate and was generated by an NM Plus 600 Hydrogen Generator with a purity of 99.9996% (VICI DBS, Houston, TX) connected to the GC with stainless steel tubing, which is highly recommended for employing hydrogen carrier gas to reduce flammability risk.</p><p>Samples were analyzed by using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/41"><strong>ChromaTOF</strong></a> version 5.58 (LECO Corporation). Spectra were searched in the NIST MS Library Version 3.0, 2023. Samples were processed with a minimum S/N of 400 and a stick count of 3. The minimum spectral similarity was 700, and the relative abundance threshold was 10. Putative identifications were compared between methods to check the reactivity of components.</p><h4><strong>Results and Discussion</strong></h4><h5><strong>Fingermark Residue Application</strong></h5><div><p>Seven analytes (fatty acids and esters) were used to form an artificial fingermark residue and assess peak shape and reproducibility. These compounds were selected due to their known variability in the peak shape. Although acids often exhibit tailing without derivatization, derivatization was not used to reflect nontargeted workflows.</p></div><div><p>The analytes (<a href="javascript:;">Figure 5</a>A–C) showed mixed trends for tailing factor, exhibiting both improved and worsened tailing across methods (<a href="javascript:;">Figure 5</a>). Increased peak tailing was found in the analysis of adulterated drugs in traditional Chinese medicines using hydrogen carrier gas compared to helium. (<a href="javascript:;">9</a>) Conversely, hydrogen produced the best peak shape among the three tested carrier gases in another study on permanent gas detection in human blood. (<a href="javascript:;">21</a>) The results of this study demonstrated comparable tailing factors relative to helium depending on analyte chemistry.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_Figure_5_Analytical_ion_current_AIC_contour_plots_of_fingermark_standards_run_using_hydrogen_carrier_gas_fac4cf91e8.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. (2026): Figure 5. Analytical ion current (AIC) contour plots of fingermark standards run using hydrogen carrier gas: (A) H2 translate, (B) H2 efficiency, (C) H2 speed. D) Peak areas normalized to seven analytes (n = 9). 1) myristic acid, 2) octisalate, 3) palmitoleic acid, 4) palmitic acid, 5) oleic acid, 6) stearic acid, and 7) methyl nonadecanoate." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_Figure_5_Analytical_ion_current_AIC_contour_plots_of_fingermark_standards_run_using_hydrogen_carrier_gas_fac4cf91e8.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="794"></p><div><p>A key difference between the three hydrogen methods was the flow rate of the carrier gas. The helium flow rate of 1.00 mL/min was translated to 1.25 mL/min of gas flow for hydrogen. The speed method resulted in a flow of 2.50 mL/min, while the efficiency method resulted in a flow rate of 1.75 mL/min. The translate, efficiency, and speed method options had the same improved respective chromatographic run times as the standards reported above (<a href="javascript:;">Table 2</a>). Studies using GC-MS that investigated drug samples found that switching to hydrogen carrier gas from helium decreased run time by more than half, thereby benefiting throughput. (<a href="javascript:;">2, 9</a>) Decreased first-dimension retention times (faster elution) were expected with higher flow rates and provided similar results as above.</p></div><div><p>Significant differences were observed across methods for squalene, cholesterol, octisalate, myristic acid, palmitic acid, and methyl nonadecanoate using a one-way ANOVA test (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) (<a href="javascript:;">Figure 5</a>D). The translate method generally indicated a stronger response for many analytes and improved reproducibility for some analytes (<a href="javascript:;">Figure 5</a>D). These trends align with previous 1D GC-MS studies reporting comparable reproducibility between hydrogen and helium for pesticide analysis. (<a href="javascript:;">20</a>) The translate method was selected for the analysis of authentic fingermark samples.</p></div><div><p>Fingermark residue from five volunteers was analyzed using all three hydrogen methods to confirm method selection. The translate method showed the least peak tailing (<a href="javascript:;">Figure 6</a>A–C) and improved suitability for quantitative analysis. Several analytes exhibited significant first-dimension tailing with the efficiency method (<a href="javascript:;">Figure 6</a>B). The proposed modulation period avoided wraparound based on second-dimension retention times (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/ancham/article-supplement/5214748/pdf/ac6c03350_si_001/">Figure S6</a>). Wraparound peaks that do not reflect true first or second dimension retention times should be avoided in GC×GC analysis to avoid retention index challenges and second-dimension broadening. (<a href="javascript:;">22</a>) The modulation period was reduced by 50%, similar to the standards tested above (<a href="javascript:;">Table 3</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/ancham/article-supplement/5214748/pdf/ac6c03350_si_001/">Figure S6</a>). The same metrics used for standards were also applied to authentic fingermark samples, yielding consistent results.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_Figure_6_Analytical_ion_current_AIC_contour_plots_of_fingermark_residue_analytes_6da2b89241.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. (2026): Figure 6. Analytical ion current (AIC) contour plots of fingermark residue analytes using A) hydrogen translate, B) hydrogen efficiency, and C) hydrogen speed methods." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_Figure_6_Analytical_ion_current_AIC_contour_plots_of_fingermark_residue_analytes_6da2b89241.jpg 119w," sizes="100vw" width="1000" height="1318"></p></div></div><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><div><p>Helium has long been the standard carrier gas for GC-MS due to its inertness but has become increasingly expensive and challenging to acquire. Hydrogen is an attractive alternative carrier gas because of its lower viscosity and higher diffusivity relative to helium, allowing comparable chromatographic efficiency to be maintained over a wider range of linear velocities. Consequently, hydrogen can support faster separations with reduced loss of efficiency than helium at elevated flow rates. This characteristic has made hydrogen an increasingly viable carrier gas for GC and GC×GC applications. This study used analytical standards to develop a translation workflow from helium to three hydrogen methods using GC×GC-TOFMS with a cryogenic modulator and existing 1D GC translation tools. The translate option displayed the best peak shape and reproducibility over the speed or efficiency options. The run time was reduced by 60% using hydrogen compared to helium, and the modulation period could be reduced by 50%. This translation was performed with fingermark standards and authentic fingermark samples to verify the workflow. This study is the first to propose a retention time reduction ratio for translating a GC×GC-TOFMS helium method to hydrogen in cryogenically modulated systems.</p></div><div><p>Faster analyses using hydrogen carrier gas align with the green chemistry principle of energy efficiency. Shorter run times reduce electricity use per sample and increase overall throughput. The hydrogen method was comparable to its helium counterpart while reducing per-run energy consumption and nearly doubling hourly sample throughput. This provides clear advantages for routine, high-throughput laboratories. Hydrogen also offers potential sustainability benefits through on-site generation via electrolysis, in contrast to the nonrenewable sourcing of helium. The overall sustainability impact reflects a balance of factors including energy use, gas sourcing, safety considerations, and operational efficiencies. Hydrogen presents a compelling option when evaluated through this broader lens. The findings from this study were found to be replicated in real fingermark samples, making this applicable to other authentic samples analyzed using GC×GC-TOFMS.</p></div></div></div>

Hydrogen Carrier Gas Method Translation in Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography for Sustainable Nontargeted Analysis

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Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

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Metrohm

Anton Paar

Agilent Technologies

LECO

Thermo Fisher Scientific

SciY/Mestrelab Research

<p><strong>We probably have all experienced this at some point when performing gas chromatography and our peak shape begins to appear a bit different. &nbsp;In this webinar, we will discuss some of the most common chromatographic issues that you experience with Gas Chromatography and take a logical approach to finding the root cause and correcting the problem. Often the best way to approach troubleshooting is to also consider what ‘cannot’ cause an issue so that precious time is not spent addressing something that cannot cause the issue. This webinar will arm you with some simple tools, and a different way to look at troubleshooting, should a problem arise.</strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Alex Ucci&nbsp;</p><p>In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Becoming A Better Chromatographer Webinar Series

Essential Techniques for Gas Chromatography Troubleshooting

Learn essential GC troubleshooting techniques with Agilent. Discover a logical, time-saving root-cause analysis approach to fix poor peak shapes

Essential Techniques for GC Troubleshooting

<p><strong>This presentation will cover products from Agilent that make GC connections more robust by utilizing new technologies that make connections easier, leak free and more inert for any application.</strong></p><p>Topics covered include: Self Tightening Stainless Column Nuts and ferrules, Press Fits, UltiMetal Plus and Stainless Steel Capillary Tubing, Ferrule Pre-swaging installation tool and MS interface installation tool, among others.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Mark Sinnott (Technical Support Engineer, Consumables and Supplies Division, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Mark Sinnott works for Agilent Technologies as a Technical Support Engineer in the Consumables and Supplies Division (CSD). In his position at Agilent, Mark performs technical support and applications assistance to gas chromatographers worldwide. He has more than 22 years of experience in gas chromatography, including environmental analysis of compounds in air, soil and water matrices, including dissolved gas analysis for the electrical industry. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from California State University, Sacramento, and currently resides in Twin Falls Idaho.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Becoming A Better Chromatographer - GC Webinar Series

From Inlet to Detector: Building Better Connections in GC and GC/MS Workflows

Build better GC and GC/MS connections with Agilent. Explore self-tightening column nuts, pre-swaging tools, and inert capillaries to eliminate leaks

Building Better Connections in GC and GC/MS Workflows

<p><strong>Keeping your GC system running smoothly isn’t just about good method development; it’s also about being prepared. In this webinar, we’ll walk through the essential consumables every lab should keep on hand to avoid unnecessary downtime. &nbsp;From gas traps and syringes to columns and detector supplies, we will discuss what supplies to stock and how this can help save valuable time.</strong></p><p>If you are about to purchase an instrument, we will also discuss critical items you’ll need to have on hand to ensure the installation is completed smoothly.</p><p>Whether you’re new to GC or looking to optimize your workflow, this webinar will help ensure your system and your lab team stay up and running.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Ryan Mayfield (Field Service Engineer, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Ryan Mayfield has over 11 years of experience as a Field Service Engineer supporting GC and GCMS systems. &nbsp;He also delivers on-site application consulting for customers across a wide range of industries, including environmental, biotech, and petrochemical fields. &nbsp;He has a BS and MS in Food Science from UC Davis.</p><p><strong>Additional Speaker:</strong> Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.</p></blockquote>

Stocked for Success: Essential GC Supplies That Keep You Running

Stay prepared with essential GC supplies. Explore critical consumables, gas traps, and detector supplies needed to prevent downtime and ease installation

Essential GC Supplies to Keep Your System Up and Running

<div><div id="inner_content_body_text" data-content-id="394785"><p><strong>Polymers are complex materials, and understanding their performance requires more than just mechanical testing. Rheology provides valuable information on viscosity, elasticity, and flow, but it cannot fully explain the chemical and structural changes that occur during processing. By integrating rheology with Raman spectroscopy, researchers and engineers can correlate mechanical behavior with molecular-level insights in real time.</strong></p><p>This combined Rheo-Raman approach opens up new possibilities for understanding polymerization, crystallization, and thermal stability, supporting better formulation, troubleshooting, and quality control across the polymer industry.</p><h4><strong>Key Learning Topics:</strong></h4><ul><li>How Rheo-Raman correlates mechanical properties with chemical structure to deliver deeper insights into polymer behavior</li><li>How to monitor polymerization reactions and chemical transformations in real time</li><li>How to study crystallization pathways and their impact on material performance</li><li>How to assess thermal stability and degradation during processing or use</li><li>How Rheo-Raman supports faster material development, improved quality control, and problem-solving in industrial and research settings</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> James P. Eickhoff Jr.</p><p>James Eickhoff is the principal application engineer for the rheology division as a member of the Advanced Technical Support Center at Anton Paar USA. He has over 20 years of theoretical and experimental rheology training, including the last 17 years with Anton Paar having guided current and prospective customers on the use of rheological techniques in their industrial and academic research. James earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and Clemson University, respectively.</p></blockquote></div></div>

Anton Paar: Correlating Mechanical and Chemical Properties: Introduction to Rheo-Raman for Polymers

Correlating Mechanical and Chemical Properties: Introduction to Rheo-Raman for Polymers

Learn how Rheo-Raman combines rheology and Raman spectroscopy to study polymerization, crystallization, and polymer performance in real time.

Introduction to Rheo-Raman for Polymers

<p><strong>As materials become increasingly sophisticated, understanding their optical properties is essential for driving innovation, improving product performance, and ensuring quality. Whether developing anti-reflective coatings, optimising solar cell efficiency, designing specialty glass, or researching next-generation materials, accurate optical characterisation is a critical part of the workflow.</strong></p><p>Join us for this webinar to discover how the Agilent UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer enables researchers and industry professionals to measure and characterise a broad range of optical properties across diverse sample types and applications.</p><p>The webinar will showcase measurement techniques for transmission, reflectance, diffuse reflectance, and angular measurements, highlighting how the Agilent UV-Vis-NIR platform delivers reliable and reproducible data for both research and industrial applications.</p><h4><strong>Why Attend?</strong></h4><p><strong>In this session, you will learn:</strong></p><ul><li>How the Agilent UV-Vis-NIR can be used to characterise thin films, coatings, solar materials, and glass.</li><li>Techniques for measuring transmission, reflectance, and diffuse reflectance with confidence.</li><li>Methods for determining film thickness and evaluating optical performance.</li><li>How specialised accessories expand measurement capabilities for challenging samples.</li><li>Best practices for obtaining accurate, reproducible results across a variety of applications.</li><li>Real-world examples demonstrating how optical measurements can accelerate research and product development.</li></ul><h4><strong>Who Should Attend?</strong></h4><p><strong>This webinar is designed for:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Academic Researchers and Students</strong><ul><li>Researchers in materials science, physics, chemistry, and engineering.</li><li>Scientists investigating thin films, nanomaterials, optical materials, and photonic devices.</li><li>Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers seeking advanced optical characterisation techniques.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Solar and Photovoltaics</strong><ul><li>Scientists and engineers developing solar cells and photovoltaic materials.</li><li>Researchers evaluating anti-reflective coatings and light management strategies.</li><li>Teams working to improve solar cell efficiency through optical optimisation.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Glass and Coatings Industries</strong><ul><li>Manufacturers of architectural, automotive, and specialty glass.</li><li>Researchers developing low-emissivity and anti-reflective coatings.</li><li>Quality control and R&amp;D professionals responsible for optical performance testing.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Advanced Materials and Industrial R&amp;D</strong><ul><li>Thin film and semiconductor researchers.</li><li>Optical coating manufacturers.</li><li>Scientists working with displays, sensors, filters, and advanced functional materials.</li><li>Analytical laboratories requiring precise optical characterisation.</li></ul></li></ul><h5><strong>Featured Applications</strong></h5><ul><li>Thin film and multilayer coating analysis</li><li>Anti-reflective and optical coating characterisation</li><li>Solar cell and photovoltaic material evaluation</li><li>Optical filter transmission and blocking measurements</li><li>Architectural and specialty glass analysis</li><li>Reflectance measurements at varying angles of incidence</li><li>Film thickness determination</li><li>Diffuse reflectance measurements of scattering materials</li><li>Optical characterisation of emerging materials in academia and industry</li></ul><p>Discover how the Agilent UV-Vis-NIR platform combines exceptional optical performance, flexible sampling accessories, and intuitive workflows to provide the insights needed to advance research, optimise products, and solve challenging analytical problems.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Mr. Rajwar Chandra (Product Specialist - Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Chandra Rajwar is a Product &amp; Market Specialist with over 20 years of experience in Molecular Spectroscopy products and analytical instrumentation. He specializes in UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman, and related spectroscopy solutions, supporting customers with application development, workflow optimization, and analytical excellence across pharmaceutical, chemical, environmental, and research industries.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Ms. Vijaya Jyothi (Product Specialist - Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.)</p><p>Vijaya Jyothi is a seasoned product specialist at Agilent Technologies. She manages the spectroscopy division, having extensive expertise in spectroscopy applications across diverse industries, offering deep insights and solutions tailored to varied analytical needs.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Characterising Advanced Materials with the Agilent UV-Vis-NIR - From Thin Films and Solar Cells to Glass and Optical Coatings

Characterising Advanced Materials with the Agilent UV-Vis-NIR: From Thin Films and Solar Cells to Glass and Optical Coatings

Characterize thin films, solar cells, and coatings with Agilent UV-Vis-NIR. Master reflectance, transmission, and angular measurement workflows

Materials Characterization with Agilent UV-Vis-NIR

<p><strong>Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) is a powerful technique for investigating catalyst surface chemistry under reaction conditions. In this live webinar, subject matter specialists from Michigan State University, Specac, and Thermo Fisher Scientific will discuss how in situ DRIFTS can be used to study dry reforming of methane over ceria-supported catalysts and provide insight into the surface species and reaction intermediates involved in catalytic CO₂ utilization.</strong></p><p>The session will explore DRIFTS experimental setup considerations, approaches for relating spectral observations to catalyst behavior, and examples of how researchers use in situ spectroscopy to investigate CO₂ activation and metal-support interactions. Presenters will also discuss complementary characterization techniques, including CO-DRIFTS, CO₂-DRIFTS, and CO₂-TPD-DRIFTS, and their role in catalyst research workflows.</p><p>Attendees will be able to gain practical knowledge that can help strengthen catalyst characterization strategies, support experimental design, and improve interpretation of catalyst behavior in heterogeneous catalysis research.</p><h4><strong>Key takeaways</strong></h4><p>By attending this webinar, you can learn several aspects about this specific method of analysis:</p><ul><li>Apply in situ DRIFTS to investigate catalyst surface chemistry under reaction conditions</li><li>Monitor adsorbed species and reaction intermediates during dry reforming of methane</li><li>Relate spectral observations to catalyst behavior and reaction mechanisms</li><li>Investigate CO₂ activation and metal-support interactions in ceria-supported catalyst systems</li><li>Evaluate when to use complementary techniques such as CO-DRIFTS, CO₂-DRIFTS, and CO₂-TPD-DRIFTS</li><li>Incorporate DRIFTS into catalyst characterization workflows to support more informed research and development decisions.</li></ul><h4><strong>Who should attend</strong></h4><ul><li>Catalysis researchers</li><li>Materials scientists</li><li>Surface scientists</li><li>FTIR and vibrational spectroscopy users</li><li>Academic researchers studying heterogeneous catalysis</li><li>Scientists involved in catalyst development and characterization</li><li>Researchers working in CO₂ utilization, carbon management, and sustainable catalysis</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Md Monir Hossain, PhD Candidate, Michigan State University</p><p>Researcher focused on heterogeneous catalysis, carbon utilization, and DRIFTS studies of ceria-supported catalysts for dry reforming of methane.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Jim Delaney, Applications Team Lead, Specac</p><p>Leader of global spectroscopy application development and customer engagement efforts, supporting advanced research and industrial spectroscopy workflows.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Lena Woodis, PhD Product Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific</p><p>Vibrational spectroscopy veteran with more than 15 years of experience in chemical instrumentation, FTIR spectroscopy, and analytical technologies.</p></blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: From Spectra to Mechanism: Using DRIFTS to Understand CO₂ Catalysis

From Spectra to Mechanism: Using DRIFTS to Understand CO₂ Catalysis

In this webinar, subject matter specialists will discuss how in situ DRIFTS can be used to study dry reforming of methane over ceria-supported catalysts.

Using DRIFTS to Understand CO₂ Catalysis

<p><strong>Exhaled breath is increasingly recognized as a powerful source of molecular information for personalized medicine. Containing hundreds to thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that reflect metabolic, inflammatory, microbiological, and environmental processes, breath offers a unique, completely non-invasive window into human health. Yet, unlocking this chemical complexity requires analytical platforms capable of delivering both exceptional separation power and high-confidence molecular characterization.</strong></p><p>At the forefront of this evolution is comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GCxGC-MS), which has emerged as a cornerstone technology in modern breathomics. By significantly expanding chromatographic peak capacity and resolving power compared with conventional one-dimensional approaches, GCxGC-MS enables a more comprehensive exploration of the human volatilome and facilitates the discovery of clinically relevant biomarkers that would otherwise remain undetected.</p><p>This webinar will explore how advanced GCxGC-MS workflows are transforming breathomics research and accelerating its translation towards clinical implementation. Drawing on recent developments in untargeted and targeted analytical strategies, we will discuss how comprehensive volatilome profiling can be integrated with rapid and streamlined methodologies to create efficient multi-platform pipelines for biomarker discovery, validation, and routine application. Particular emphasis will be placed on the critical role of analytical design, quality control, and data processing in generating robust and reproducible results from highly complex breath samples.</p><p>Beyond technology development, the presentation will address the key challenges facing the field, including standardization of sampling protocols, harmonization of analytical methodologies, and the transition from exploratory studies to clinically actionable solutions. Real-world applications will illustrate how breathomics can support disease detection, patient stratification, therapeutic monitoring, and precision healthcare.</p><p>As analytical capabilities continue to advance, GCxGC-MS is positioning breathomics to move beyond proof-of-concept studies and towards a future where non-invasive molecular phenotyping becomes an integral component of personalized medicine.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Anaïs Rodrigues (Applications Chemist, LECO Europe)</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto (Lead Scientist &amp; Senior Lecturer, Liège University, Belgium)</p></blockquote>

LECO: Breathomics - Advancing Personalized Medicine Through Next-Generation Analytical Solutions 

Breathomics: Advancing Personalized Medicine Through Next-Generation Analytical Solutions

Discover how GCxGC-MS transforms breathomics and VOC profiling. Learn how non-invasive molecular phenotyping enables personalized medicine

Breathomics & GCxGC-MS for Personalized Medicine

<p><strong>Laboratories are under growing pressure to handle increasing volumes of samples and data while operating under tighter regulatory inspection, all without compromising turnaround times or traceability. In this context, many organizations attempt to extend existing workflows and legacy tools, which can introduce inefficiencies, increase manual effort, and create compliance risks. At the same time, it is not always clear which digital solutions are best suited to address these challenges.</strong></p><p>This presentation illustrates how modern digital laboratory environments streamline routine activities by minimizing manual tasks and embedding compliance directly into everyday workflows. Drawing on a real-world use case, we show how automated capture of data from multiple sample measurements at the point of execution enables a continuous, sample-centric workflow.</p><p>By removing manual interventions and paper-based processes, laboratories can improve efficiency and visibility, support faster and more reliable decision-making while remaining responsive to evolving customer demands.</p><h4><strong>Learning Points</strong></h4><ul><li>The role of different systems (LIMS, SDMS, ELN) within the digital lab landscape and how they differ from each other's</li><li>How WebLab manages laboratory operations from a sample perspective, enabling you to track every sample, stage, and next action across workflows</li><li>How automated data capture from connected instruments helps reduce errors, lower contamination risks, and accelerate sample processing</li><li>You will see, through a real-life example, how integrated digital workflows improve data quality, accelerate reporting, and increase operational efficiency</li></ul><h4><strong>Who should attend</strong></h4><p>Professionals working in small to mid‑sized laboratories, including:</p><ul><li>Directors and Managers of Analytical, QC, or Contract Labs</li><li>Lab Operations and QA/QC Leaders</li><li>Digitalization and IT at organizations transitioning from paper, Excel, or legacy systems to LIMS</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Peter Bellstedt, PhD (Director of Business Development and Product Manager at SciY)</p><p>Peter studied Biochemistry at the University of Jena before completing a PhD on the structural characterization of a DNA repair protein using solution and solid-state NMR. He was then appointed as the head of the NMR Spectroscopy Platform in Jena, Germany, where he pioneered the implementation of modern, highly efficient data-driven workflows. After five years, he moved to the University of Zurich, Switzerland, as a principal investigator, where his lab focused on structure-based drug discovery. This year, he brought his wealth of experience to the LOGS by SciY team, focusing on efficient workflow solutions for research labs and facilities on a global scale.</p></blockquote>

SciY: From Legacy Workflows to Paperless Labs: Track Every Sample, Process, and Decision

From Legacy Workflows to Paperless Labs: Track Every Sample, Process, and Decision

Transition from paper to a paperless lab. Discover how WebLab, LIMS, and automated data capture streamline sample tracking and boost compliance

Paperless Labs & Sample Tracking: Digital LIMS Workflows

<p><strong>The challenge of developing and maintaining robust chemometric models for use within Process Analytical Technology (PAT) deployment remains a significant barrier to implementation. This webinar explores how Iterative Optimization Technology (IOT) is advancing the principles of lean chemometrics by reducing the calibration burden associated with PAT deployment. Case studies will demonstrate how these methods enable faster model deployment, improved lifecycle management, and greater operational efficiency without compromising product quality or process understanding. Attendees will gain insights into how innovative chemometric strategies can accelerate PAT adoption while supporting the industry's drive towards agile, data-driven manufacturing.</strong></p><h4><strong>Learning Points</strong></h4><ul><li>You will learn how lean chemometrics reduces model complexity and data requirements</li><li>Discover how to simplify model deployment and lifecycle management</li><li>Explore how to accelerate PAT adoption while maintaining process understanding and quality</li></ul><h4><strong>Who should attend</strong></h4><ul><li>Process development and MSAT teams scaling processes to manufacturing</li><li>PAT scientists and analytical experts developing chemometric models</li><li>Lab managers driving efficient and scalable PAT implementation</li><li>Development and manufacturing and digitalization leaders advancing data-driven operations</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Jonique Samuels (Scientific Advisor for Innovations, SciY)</p><p>Jonique Samuels is a Scientific Advisor for Innovations at SciY where she leads research and development projects on new, novel functionality for synTQ, the orchestration and real-time process-control platform that enables PAT and advanced, quality-centric control strategies. Currently, Jonique's focus is on supporting sustainability initiatives with customers, which includes investigating and developing lean chemometrics methods.&nbsp;</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Anna Codina, Ph.D. ( Senior Director Strategy and Business Development, SciY)</p><p>Anna Codina is Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development at SciY, where she focuses on enabling data-driven orchestration across the pharmaceutical value chain. With a background in experimental science, analytical development, and digital innovation, she works at the intersection of data, automation, and AI to accelerate scientific workflows and decision-making.</p><p>Anna holds a Ph.D. in protein NMR from the University of Barcelona and completed postdoctoral research at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. She spent seven years in Analytical R&amp;D at Pfizer, specializing in reaction monitoring, impurity characterization, and regulatory submissions, and was recognized with a Pfizer Worldwide Achievement Award for implementing NMR-based reaction monitoring in an open-access environment.</p><p>Since joining Bruker, Anna has held multiple leadership roles across applications, product management, and biopharma business development and market management. In her current role at SciY, she drives strategy for vendor-agnostic data platforms and digital solutions that connect instruments, robotics, and enterprise systems enabling orchestration, AI-powered experimentation and scalable workflows across R&amp;D, CROs/CDMOs, and manufacturing.</p></blockquote>

SciY: Advancing Lean Chemometrics: Iterative Optimization Technology as a Process Analytical Technology Tool for Reducing Calibration Burden

Advancing Lean Chemometrics: Iterative Optimization Technology as a Process Analytical Technology Tool for Reducing Calibration Burden

Reduce PAT calibration burden with Lean Chemometrics and IOT. Learn to accelerate model deployment and simplify lifecycle management in this webinar

Lean Chemometrics & IOT: Reducing PAT Calibration Burden

<p><strong>Fentanyl and synthetic drugs have fundamentally changed how law enforcement handles narcotics testing, raising the stakes for officer safety, operational speed and evidence handling. In this live discussion, Rhode Island counterdrug analyst Erik Burmeister will share how testing workflows actually work in the field today, from roadside seizures to controlled environments.</strong></p><p>Learn how agencies deploy tools like handheld Raman, trace detection and traditional methods to safely identify substances while maintaining investigative momentum. Through real-world examples, this webinar will explore key decision points, current limitations (including lab backlogs) and practical lessons you can apply within your own agency.</p><h5><strong>By joining this webinar, you will learn:</strong></h5><ul><li>How agencies are improving officer safety during narcotics identification.</li><li>Where handheld tools fit within real-world testing workflows.</li><li>When to conduct on-scene versus controlled environment testing.</li><li>Key limitations and decision points in narcotics identification today.</li><li>Operational benefits agencies are seeing from modern identification tools.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Erik Burmeister</p><p>Erik Burmeister is a seasoned intelligence and law enforcement professional with over 20 years of service in the Rhode Island Army National Guard, including three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. For the past nine years he has served as a criminal analyst with the Rhode Island National Guard Counterdrug Program. Through this role Burmeister has spent seven years assigned to the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, followed by two years with the Rhode Island State Police Intelligence Unit. His work focuses on supporting state and federal efforts to combat drug trafficking and strengthen intelligence-driven policing.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Dr. Adam J. Hopkins</p><p>Adam has served as the Spectroscopy Product Manager at Metrohm USA since 2016, supporting the development and application of handheld and laboratory spectroscopic solutions for substance identification and chemical analysis. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Oregon, where he specialized in nonlinear optical spectroscopy.<br>Prior to joining Metrohm Hopkins spent several years developing spectroscopic technologies for standoff and noncontact sensing applications, with expertise in Raman spectroscopy, LIBS and other advanced analytical techniques. Through his work with law enforcement, forensic, and industrial organizations, he helps agencies evaluate and implement technologies that support safer, faster identification of unknown substances in the field and laboratory.<br>Hopkins has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings and is the inventor on three patents related to spectroscopic technologies.</p></blockquote>

Metrohm: Safer Narcotics Identification in the Fentanyl Era - Lessons from Rhode Island State Police

Safer Narcotics Identification in the Fentanyl Era: Lessons from Rhode Island State Police

Learn how Rhode Island State Police use handheld Raman tools for safe fentanyl identification and faster field drug analysis in this live webinar

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