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Title: Focused analyte spray emission apparatus and process for mass spectrometric analysis

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1034908

An apparatus and process are disclosed that deliver an analyte deposited on a substrate to a mass spectrometer that provides for trace analysis of complex organic analytes. Analytes are probed using a small droplet of solvent that is formed at the junction between two capillaries. A supply capillary maintains the droplet of solvent on the substrate; a collection capillary collects analyte desorbed from the surface and emits analyte ions as a focused spray to the inlet of a mass spectrometer for analysis. The invention enables efficient separation of desorption and ionization events, providing enhanced control over transport and ionization of the analyte.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
Assignee:
Battelle Memorial Institute (Richland, WA)
Patent Number(s):
8,097,845
Application Number:
12/722,257
OSTI ID:
1034908
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (1)

Molecular Characterization of Organic Aerosols Using Nanospray-Desorption/Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry journal October 2010