Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/11/2014 -- 908 Devices, a pioneer of purpose-built analytical devices for chemical analysis, is delighted to introduce M908™, the world’s first and only handheld tool utilizing high-pressure mass spectrometry™ (HPMS) for trace-level chemical detection and identification. Engineered to provide civilian users, first responders, and military teams with unique capabilities for material analysis, M908 is set to transform the way chemical and explosive hazards are controlled at the point of need.

Emergency responders require dependable detection and analysis capabilities that can keep pace with the ever-expanding list of chemical and explosive threats of today. For the first time, emergency responders can now rely on the power and sensitivity of mass spectrometry (MS) for fast chemical detection, identification and continuous incident monitoring directly in hand, at the point of action.

Environmentally hardened to commercial and military standards, such as MIL-STD-810G, M908 weighs just 2.0kg (4.4lbs), is battery powered and designed for effortless operation in full personal protective equipment (PPE). M908 delivers multimode detection and identification for the most extreme hazards and critical threats. From trace to bulk materials in liquid, solid and vapor form, M908 provides mission-critical actionable intelligence at the push of a button. Alerts are provided in seconds with rapid clear down time between measurements and low false alarm rates providing trusted performance for immediate action in the field.

“M908 was designed to overcome limitations of existing trace detection tools and to help address the expanding needs of our customers”, says Dr. Kevin J. Knopp, co-founder and chief executive officer at 908 Devices. “We wanted to provide something really unique – a simple, rugged device that fills some very large gaps in capabilities, that does not burden a user with maintenance and logistics, and at the same time provide tremendous value with the ability to evolve to meet tomorrow’s threats and challenges. We’ve done just that with M908.”

Until now, the powerful capabilities of mass spec have been primarily confined to the centralized laboratory because of cumbersome size and weight, fragility and complex operation requiring highly trained experts. 908 Devices’ development of patented HPMS utilizing micro-scale ion traps, unique on-board algorithms and integrated software enables M908 to operate in the field with unprecedented levels of selectivity and sensitivity in the parts-per-billion (ppb).

Independently tested with a wide range of chemicals and live chemical agents, M908 has also received excellent initial feedback from the response community. M908’s speed of detection and low false-positive rate, as well as the compact and lightweight form are its defining attributes. This groundbreaking technology was recently recognized by the scientific industry winning The Analytical Scientist Innovation Award in 2013 by demonstrating the impact a small, simple and robust mass spec device will have for safety and security and chemical detection applications more broadly.

To find out more about M908 visit http://www.908devices.com or email info@908devices.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at @908devices and on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/908Devices.