DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) - TOFMS (Time - of - flight mass spectrometry) is a completely new method, a fully automated analysis system based on comparing the results of mass spectrometry analysis of the chemical composition of compounds in wood (chemical fingerprints) with a very fast analysis time (about 10 - 15 minutes) with a very high accuracy rate.

Figure 1. DART Operation Principle

The DART ion source can analyze very small molecules quickly and accurately. In the DART ion source, Helium gas is exposed to high voltage to create plasma. The Helium gas coming out of DART contains high energy Helium atoms when combined with air and the wood sample to create charged ions. The Helium gas is heated (at 350°C) to vaporize the molecules from the wood. Data is generated when the analyst puts a small wood sample into the heated Helium gas stream for 6 - 8 seconds. During this time, pyrolysis or combustion of the sample occurs simultaneously as helium reacts with atmospheric water vapor to produce ionized water clusters. The ionized water clusters then react with wood molecules. The products of this reaction are electrically charged sample molecules.

Figure 2. Mass Spectrometry Generation Process

These molecules then pass through a small hole into the vacuum system of the mass spectrometer (Figure 2). Here, the mass and density of the molecules are measured. The resulting data is called a mass spectrum. Because it takes 6 - 8 seconds to obtain a mass spectrum, DART is an ideal tool for rapid identification and screening of wood shipments consisting of multiple items of different species from multiple regions.

Traditional wood identification methods are often time-consuming and laborious in sample preparation and comparison with reference wood sample banks to conclude the wood species name and wood subgroup. Another limitation of this method is that it is difficult to determine the exact name of wood in the same genus due to the many similarities in wood structure characteristics. Therefore, in many cases, the traditional wood identification method will identify wood to the genus level. Meanwhile, DART-TOFMS technology provides fast analysis results with high accuracy to the species level, helping law enforcement forces quickly detect and promptly handle illegal timber trading and transportation cases. Therefore, this technology helps import-export enterprises save significantly on logistics-related costs.

In addition, the sample used for DART-TOFMS technology for analysis is very small, sampling is very flexible and easy, and does not affect the shape of the sample or the quality of the product to be appraised.

The DART-TOFMS wood inspection technology plays a particularly important role and is consistent with a number of State policies on digital transformation and high-tech development such as Decision No. 749/QD-TTg dated June 3, 2020 of the Prime Minister: Approving the "National Digital Transformation Program to 2025, with a vision to 2030" and Decision No. 130/QD-TTg dated January 27, 2021 of the Prime Minister: Promulgating the National High-Tech Development Program to 2030.