Abstract:
Disclosed is a multi-stage particle separator for separating analyte from non-analyte solvent in a fluid sample having nebulizing means to form droplets from the liquid sample and means coupled to the nebulizing means for adding helium to the nebulizing means. Furthermore, the multi-stage particle separator has a desolvation chamber for receiving the droplets, the desolvation chamber terminating in a nozzle, a multi-stage momentum separator including skimmers, and means for introducing a gas into one or more of the states to increase pressure of the latter stage so that the particles leave the multi-stage separator substantially free of solvent.
Abstract:
Apparatus is provided for analyzing liquid samples by a mass spectrometer. A stream of liquid droplets of the sample is formed by a probe which expels the droplets into a desolvation chamber. The droplets are evaporated in the desolvation chamber and the evaporated materials injected into the source region of the mass spectrometer. In some preferred embodiments, the system is configured so that no solvent or solute is pumped out of the desolvation chamber during transit; discrimination against highly volatile materials is thereby prevented. The apparatus may be used as an interface between a liquid chromatograph and the mass spectrometer.
Abstract:
In a secondary ion mass spectroscopic instrument including a source of ions to be measured and a quadrupole mass analyzer, a baffle is disposed in the instrument between the source and the analyzer so as to block direct line-of-sight communication therebetween and thereby prevent fast neutral particles, photons and fast electrons and reflected fast ions from reaching the analyzer.
Abstract:
A sample introduction system for a spectrometer comprises a desolvation region that receives or generates sample ions from a solvent matrix and removes at least some of the solvent matrix from the sample ions. A separation chamber downstream of the desolvation region has a separation chamber inlet communicating with the desolvation region, for receiving the desolvated sample ions along with non-ionised solvent and solvent ion vapours. The separation chamber has electrodes for generating an electric field within the separation chamber, defining a first flow path for sample ions between the separation chamber inlet and a separation chamber outlet. Unwanted solvent ions and non-ionised solvent vapours are directed away from the separation chamber outlet. The sample introduction system has a reaction chamber with an inlet communicating with the separation chamber outlet, for receiving the sample ions from the separation chamber and for decomposing the received ions into smaller products.
Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed comprising a first device for generating aerosol, smoke or vapour from one or more regions of a target, an inlet conduit to an ion analyser or mass spectrometer, the inlet conduit having an inlet through which the aerosol, smoke or vapour passes, and a Venturi pump arrangement arranged and adapted to direct the aerosol, smoke or vapour towards the inlet.
Abstract:
A method of analysis using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed. The method comprises: using a first device to generate smoke, aerosol or vapour from a target comprising or consisting of a microbial population; mass analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said smoke, aerosol or vapour, or ions derived therefrom, in order to obtain spectrometric data; and analysing said spectrometric data in order to analyse said microbial population.
Abstract:
A sample introduction system for a spectrometer comprises a desolvation region that receives or generates sample ions from a solvent matrix and removes at least some of the solvent matrix from the sample ions. A separation chamber downstream of the desolvation region has a separation chamber inlet communicating with the desolvation region, for receiving the desolvated sample ions along with non-ionised solvent and solvent ion vapours. The separation chamber has electrodes for generating an electric field within the separation chamber, defining a first flow path for sample ions between the separation chamber inlet and a separation chamber outlet. Unwanted solvent ions and non-ionised solvent vapours are directed away from the separation chamber outlet. The sample introduction system has a reaction chamber with an inlet communicating with the separation chamber outlet, for receiving the sample ions from the separation chamber and for decomposing the received ions into smaller products.
Abstract:
A method of analysis using mass and/or ion mobility spectrometry or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed comprising: using a first device to generate aerosol, smoke or vapour from one or more regions of a first target of biological material; and mass and/or ion mobility analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said aerosol, smoke, or vapour, or ions derived therefrom so as to obtain first spectrometric data. The method may use an ambient ionisation method.
Abstract:
A mass analyzer includes a desolvation chamber into which an upstream gas is injected to provide a counter-flow to said downstream flow in the chamber. The counter-flow may slow the downstream flow of solvated ionized particles in the chamber, while allowing lighter desolvated ions to travel toward an outlet aperture of the desolvation chamber.
Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed including a tool comprising a first device for generating aerosol from a target, the first device being deployed through an opening in a tubing of the tool, wherein the tubing is provided with aspiration ports or fenestrations such that the generated aerosol is aspirated into the tubing via the aspiration ports or fenestrations. The aspirated aerosol is then transferred to a mass spectrometer for subsequent mass analysis.