01
Laser Ablation
Ultra-fast pulses of 4 ps remove a controlled amount from the surface, with adjustable spot and low thermal effect.
EXUM · MASTER MASSES SPECETRY
Massbox®Elemental analysis and chemical mapping by LALI-TOF-MS
From global composition to spatial distribution: direct analysis of solids and powders, from lithium to uranium, on a single platform.
Li → UElemental coverage
5 µmspatial resolution
2D + 3Dchemical mapping
MASSBOXLALI-TOF-MS
GENERAL VISION
Chemical and spatial characterization of materials
Composition, heterogeneity and depth gathered in the same analysis.
Massbox combines laser ablation, laser ionization and flight time mass spectrometry to directly measure solid, powder and pseudosolid materials, usually with little or no preparation.
Simultaneous spectrum acquisition allows the evaluation of more than 70 elements from sub-ppm levels to the major-element composition, in addition to building elemental maps in two and three dimensions.
TECHNOLOGY
How LALI-TOF-MS works
Two lasers separate the sample from ionization; the TOF analyzer simultaneously records the ions produced.
02
Laser ionization
A second laser ionizes vacuum material, reducing matrix effects and spectral interference.
03
Time of flight
The complete spectrum is acquired at each point, without sequential scanning or adjustment for specific elements.
FROM ELEMENTS TO SPACE DISTRIBUTION
Element concentration and spatial distribution
Massbox multi-element coverage can be combined with 2D chemical maps and 3D reconstructions to reveal interfaces, particles, segregations and gradients in depth.
APPLICATIONS
Massbox applications
A platform for research, development, quality control and investigation of flaws in complex materials.
01
Mining and geosciences
Quantification of larger, smaller and trace elements in minerals, rocks, testimonies and geological materials, with preservation of spatial information.
02
Metals and advanced manufacturing
Investigation of inclusions, segregations, interfaces, alloys, metallic powders, coatings and parts produced by additive manufacturing.
03
Batteries and critical materials
Mapping of Li, Ni, Mn, Co and contaminants in electrodes, black mass and active materials, including in-depth characterization.
04
Ceramics, glass and semiconductors
Detection of light elements and impurities in matrices such as SiC, glass, polymers and electronic materials.
05
Failures and quality control
Chemical location of defects, particles and contaminations for root cause investigation and verification of raw materials.
06
Research and development
Rapid multielement characterization to compare formulations, prototypes and new materials without depending on a sequence of techniques.
KEY FEATURES
From triage to advanced spatial characterization
Wide coverage, direct analysis and chemical information located in a single instrumental routine.
70+elements, from Li to U
sub-ppmup to % by mass
90 × 90 mmuseful sample area
No gassupply not required
SPECIFICATIONS
Main technical characteristics
Next-Gen Massbox 2026 catalog data. Final performance depends on the element, matrix and method.
Mass analyzerFlight time mass spectrometer with simultaneous detection
Elemental coverageI read the U, over 70 elements
Linear TrackSub-ppm to wt.%
Space resolution5 a 150 µm
Deep resolution10 to 100 nm per laser pulse, dependent on application
Detection limitsSub-ppm dependent on element and application
Mass accuracyApproximately 10 to 100 ppm, dependent on application
Mass resolution800 Δm/m at mass 100
SamplesSolids, powders and pseudosolids, including biological samples
Useful area / thicknessUp to 90 × 90 mm/maximum thickness of 20 mm
Ablation laser4 ps, 213 nm; adjustable spot from 1 to 150 μm
GasesNo gas supply required
TECHNICAL CONTENT
Materials for further evaluation
Official EXUM documentation used as the basis for this page.
Next-Gen Massbox Brochure
Overview, applications, workflow and specifications.
Massbox Specifications
Analyzer parameters, lasers, samples and installation requirements.
Assessment by sample matrix and application
Send the analytical objective to evaluate preparation, calibration and measurement strategy.
Chat with the team →FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Questions about Massbox
Technical information on the analytical flow.
What is LALI-TOF-MS?+
It is the combination of Laser Ablation Laser Ionization with mass spectrometry by flight time. A laser removes a small amount of the sample; a second laser ionizes the material in vacuum; the TOF simultaneously records the mass spectrum.
Does Massbox analyze solid samples without acid digestion?+
Yes. The system directly analyzes solids, powders and pseudosolids, usually with little or no preparation. The adequacy of the surface and the sample holder depends on the matrix and analytical objective.
Is it possible to quantify light elements such as Li, C, N and O?+
EXUM documentation informs Li to U coverage, including traditionally challenging light elements such as C, N and O. Limits and quantitative performance vary according to element, matrix and method.
Does the equipment produce 3D maps?+
Yes. Repeated layer-by-layer analysis allows reconstructing the distribution of the elements in depth, in addition to the two-dimensional chemical mapping of the surface.
SENS · SPECIALIZED SUPPORT
Massbox Application Assessment
Inform the matrix, the elements of interest, the concentration range and the need for 2D or 3D mapping.