Fraunhofer IPMS Shrinks GC-IMS Measuring System for Mobile Use

Lab-On-A-Chip Fraunhofer IPMS Shrinks GC-IMS Measuring System for Mobile Use

2026-04-01 From | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

Related Vendors

tmts2026-ticec-banner-en-2000px (https://www.tmts.tw/en)

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

Gas chromatographs and ion mobility spectrometers (GC-IMS) can detect even low gas concentrations, but are tied to laboratories. In the FastSense project, a research consortium is now developing a portable, AI-supported measuring system that miniaturizes this complex sensor technology for on-site use.

IMS chip module for simple system integration into an ion mobility spectrometer.(Image: Fraunhofer IPMS) — IMS chip module for simple system integration into an ion mobility spectrometer.
(Image: Fraunhofer IPMS)

Whether in industrial process monitoring, the detection of hazardous substances or environmental monitoring, the precise measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) usually requires a great deal of analytical effort. Measurements are often delayed because samples have to be sent to the laboratory. This is precisely where the new FastSense research project, in which the Fraunhofer IPMS, the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the Center for Applied Research and Technology (ZAFT) are involved, comes in.

Hardware Integration in A Portable Device

Laboratory demonstrator as an ion mobility spectrometer based on a special IMS chip.(Image: Fraunhofer IPMS) — Laboratory demonstrator as an ion mobility spectrometer based on a special IMS chip.
(Image: Fraunhofer IPMS)

The aim of the developers is to create a robust demonstrator that couples a fast gas chromatograph with a miniaturized ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). Fraunhofer IPMS is contributing its expertise in microsystems technology components (MEMS). The Dresden-based institute is responsible for the further development of the highly selective IMS chip, the design of the associated evaluation electronics and the hardware integration of the overall system.

Local Data Processing Via AI

One problem with miniaturized spectrometry is the large amount of data. In order to be able to evaluate the complex, three-dimensional GC-IMS spectra directly on site without having to rely on a cloud connection, the consortium is relying on edge AI. ZAFT is developing intelligent evaluation algorithms that filter even the lowest concentrations (low-concentration analyte substances) reliably and in real time from the measurement noise and identify characteristic patterns.

In the Application: From Forest to Industry

The consortium is initially using the forest condition survey as a primary proof of concept. Trees emit altered VOC patterns under stress (drought, pest infestation), which the mobile system is designed to detect at an early stage. However, the miniaturized sensor hardware developed in the project (running until the end of 2027) also offers enormous potential for industrial automation, for example for leakage detection in plants or for civil security to detect explosives. (heh)

Subscribe to the newsletter now

Don't Miss out on Our Best Content

Business E-mail

Please enter a valid mailadress.

By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. The consent declaration relates, among other things, to the sending of editorial newsletters by email and to data matching for marketing purposes with selected advertising partners (e.g., LinkedIn, Google, Meta)

Date: 08.12.2025

Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.

Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes

I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here

Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.

Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.

In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.

Right of revocation

I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.