Automated injector OPTIC-4

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Overview
The OPTIC-4 is a multimode inlet designed for GC‑MS sample introduction, supporting split/splitless, thermal desorption, pyrolysis and advanced low‑pretreatment modes. When integrated with automated samplers such as the AOC‑6000 Plus, it delivers reproducible, high‑sensitivity workflows.

Key features

• Multimode injection: split/splitless, DMI (Difficult Matrix Introduction), MonoTrap™ TD (thermal desorption), pyrolysis, reactive pyrolysis, large‑volume injection and others.
• High‑speed heating up to 60 °C/s for rapid desorption and narrow peaks.
• Very short sample introduction path (~1 cm) to reduce adsorption and degradation before the column.
• Optional cryo‑trap to further concentrate and sharpen peaks.
• Dedicated Evolution Workstation software for time‑chart method display and easy optimization.

Simplifying pretreatment — DMI (Difficult Matrix Introduction)
In DMI, a microvial containing the sample is placed inside the liner and the liner is heated at the injection port. By controlling port temperature, non‑volatile residues remain in the microvial, enabling GC‑MS measurements with minimal sample pretreatment.

Trapping and thermal desorption with MonoTrap™ for high sensitivity
MonoTrap™ (silica monolith) provides high trapping efficiency for volatiles. Trapped components are thermally desorbed in the OPTIC-4 using high‑speed heating, enabling higher‑sensitivity analyses and sharper chromatographic peaks.

Sharper peaks, improved separation
The short sample path (~1 cm) combined with 60 °C/s heating minimizes band broadening and delivers sharper peaks, particularly for highly adsorptive or thermally labile compounds. Use of the cryo‑trap (option) further improves peak shape for trapped analytes.

Intuitive control — Evolution Workstation
Evolution Workstation displays analysis conditions as a time chart for intuitive review and editing. Predefined methods for different injection modes simplify method development and optimization.

Wide variety of injection modes
The OPTIC-4 supports multiple injection techniques to accommodate diverse sample forms and workflows.

Injection mode table
Liner | Sample Introduction Method | Application Examples
DMI | Thermal extraction | Content of 1,4‑dioxane in shampoo
MonoTrap TD | Thermal desorption | Odor from clothing
MonoTrap TD | Thermal desorption | Odor from product
DMI | Pyrolysis | Pyrolysis of resin
DMI | Reactive Pyrolysis | Reactive pyrolysis of resin
Solid adsorption agent (TD) | Thermal desorption | Atmospheric gas in automobile
DMI | Thermal extraction | Reactive pyrolysis of resin
MonoTrap TD | Thermal desorption | Aroma from food products

Notes and usage highlights

• Compatible with automated systems (e.g., AOC‑6000 Plus) for improved throughput and reproducibility.
• DMI reduces sample pretreatment by retaining non‑volatile impurities in a microvial placed in the liner.
• MonoTrap TD workflows enable trapping/concentration of volatiles and high‑sensitivity analysis.
• High‑speed heating (up to 60 °C/s) produces sharp peaks and short analysis windows.
• Cryo‑trap option available to enhance peak sharpness for trapped analytes.

Technical specifications

• Model name: OPTIC-4
• Type: Multimode inlet for GC‑MS
• High‑speed heating capability: up to 60 °C/s
• Sample introduction path length: approximately 1 cm
• Supported injection modes: split/splitless, DMI, MonoTrap TD (thermal desorption), pyrolysis, reactive pyrolysis, large‑volume injection, solid adsorption TD, thermal extraction
• Compatible options: cryo‑trap (option)
• Dedicated software: Evolution Workstation (time‑chart method display and optimization)
• Designed for integration with automated samplers (e.g., AOC‑6000 Plus)