Abstract: A method of adjusting a position of an electrode within a nebulizer probe of a mass spectrometry device having an open port interface for receiving a sample includes performing a first analysis of the sample at a first analysis condition including a first position of the electrode and a first flow rate. After performing the first analysis, a second analysis of the sample is performed at a second analysis condition including the first position of the electrode and a second flow rate higher than the first flow rate. Thereafter, a third analysis of the sample is performed at a third analysis condition including a second position of the electrode and the second flow rate.

Abstract: An electrospray ionization emitter according to various aspects described herein can include an emitter body formed using fused silica. The emitter body can comprise a fluid conduit segment that includes a liquid connection end that has been coated with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) on at least one portion thereof. The liquid connection end can have a first outer diameter that is configured to be connected to a sample source to receive a sample liquid for ionization therefrom. The emitter body can further comprise an ionization discharge segment that is fluidly connected to the fluid conduit segment. The ionization discharge segment can have an ionization discharge end that is coated with a conductive material on at least one portion thereof and configured to have a second outer diameter that allows ionization of the liquid sample.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source for the generation of ions and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry are provided herein. In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, MS-based systems and methods are provided in which a specimen may be received within an open port of a sampling probe and continuously delivered via a jet pump assembly to an ion source for subsequent mass spectrometric analysis.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for loading a sample into an analytical instrument using acoustic droplet ejection (“ADE”) in combination with a continuous flow sampling probe. An acoustic droplet ejector is used to eject small droplets of a fluid sample containing an analyte into the sampling tip of a continuous flow sampling probe, where the acoustically ejected droplet combines with a continuous, circulating flow stream of solvent within the flow probe. Fluid circulation within the probe transports the sample through a sample transport capillary to an outlet that directs the analyte away from the probe to an analytical instrument, e.g., a device that detects the presence, concentration quantity, and/or identity of the analyte. When the analytical instrument is a mass spectrometer or other type of device requiring the analyte to be in ionized form, the exiting droplets pass through an ionization region, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for loading a sample into an analytical instrument using acoustic droplet ejection (“ADE”) in combination with a continuous flow sampling probe. An acoustic droplet ejector is used to eject small droplets of a fluid sample containing an analyte into the sampling tip of a continuous flow sampling probe, where the acoustically ejected droplet combines with a continuous, circulating flow stream of solvent within the flow probe. Fluid circulation within the probe transports the sample through a sample transport capillary to an outlet that directs the analyte away from the probe to an analytical instrument, e.g., a device that detects the presence, concentration quantity, and/or identity of the analyte. When the analytical instrument is a mass spectrometer or other type of device requiring the analyte to be in ionized form, the exiting droplets pass through an ionization region, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for loading a sample into an analytical instrument using acoustic droplet ejection (“ADE”) in combination with a continuous flow sampling probe. An acoustic droplet ejector is used to eject small droplets of a fluid sample containing an analyte into the sampling tip of a continuous flow sampling probe, where the acoustically ejected droplet combines with a continuous, circulating flow stream of solvent within the flow probe. Fluid circulation within the probe transports the sample through a sample transport capillary to an outlet that directs the analyte away from the probe to an analytical instrument, e.g., a device that detects the presence, concentration quantity, and/or identity of the analyte. When the analytical instrument is a mass spectrometer or other type of device requiring the analyte to be in ionized form, the exiting droplets pass through an ionization region, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for loading a sample into an analytical instrument using acoustic droplet ejection (“ADE”) in combination with a continuous flow sampling probe. An acoustic droplet ejector is used to eject small droplets of a fluid sample containing an analyte into the sampling tip of a continuous flow sampling probe, where the acoustically ejected droplet combines with a continuous, circulating flow stream of solvent within the flow probe. Fluid circulation within the probe transports the sample through a sample transport capillary to an outlet that directs the analyte away from the probe to an analytical instrument, e.g., a device that detects the presence, concentration quantity, and/or identity of the analyte. When the analytical instrument is a mass spectrometer or other type of device requiring the analyte to be in ionized form, the exiting droplets pass through an ionization region, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for loading a sample into an analytical instrument using acoustic droplet ejection (“ADE”) in combination with a continuous flow sampling probe. An acoustic droplet ejector is used to eject small droplets of a fluid sample containing an analyte into the sampling tip of a continuous flow sampling probe, where the acoustically ejected droplet combines with a continuous, circulating flow stream of solvent within the flow probe. Fluid circulation within the probe transports the sample through a sample transport capillary to an outlet that directs the analyte away from the probe to an analytical instrument, e.g., a device that detects the presence, concentration quantity, and/or identity of the analyte. When the analytical instrument is a mass spectrometer or other type of device requiring the analyte to be in ionized form, the exiting droplets pass through an ionization region, e.g.

Abstract: An electrospray ionization emitter according to various aspects described herein can include an emitter body formed using fused silica. The emitter body can comprise a fluid conduit segment that includes a liquid connection end that has been coated with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) on at least one portion thereof. The liquid connection end can have a first outer diameter that is configured to be connected to a sample source to receive a sample liquid for ionization therefrom. The emitter body can further comprise an ionization discharge segment that is fluidly connected to the fluid conduit segment. The ionization discharge segment can have an ionization discharge end that is coated with a conductive material on at least one portion thereof and configured to have a second outer diameter that allows ionization of the liquid sample.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for loading a sample into an analytical instrument using acoustic droplet ejection (“ADE”) in combination with a continuous flow sampling probe. An acoustic droplet ejector is used to eject small droplets of a fluid sample containing an analyte into the sampling tip of a continuous flow sampling probe, where the acoustically ejected droplet combines with a continuous, circulating flow stream of solvent within the flow probe. Fluid circulation within the probe transports the sample through a sample transport capillary to an outlet that directs the analyte away from the probe to an analytical instrument, e.g., a device that detects the presence, concentration quantity, and/or identity of the analyte. When the analytical instrument is a mass spectrometer or other type of device requiring the analyte to be in ionized form, the exiting droplets pass through an ionization region, e.g.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, methods and systems for differential mobility spectrometry are provided herein for simultaneously applying a plurality of SV/CV combinations to subsets of a population of ions generated by one or more ion sources. In various aspects, DMS devices in accordance with the present teachings can provide multiple channels (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) for operating in parallel and within which different electrical fields can be generated for filtering sample ions within those channels based on the characteristic mobilities of the ions within each channel. In this manner, devices and methods in accordance with the present teachings can, in various aspects, enable improved duty cycle, increased throughput, decreased sample consumption, increased sensitivity for a plurality of ions of interest, and/or increased resolution.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for loading a sample into an analytical instrument using acoustic droplet ejection (“ADE”) in combination with a continuous flow sampling probe. An acoustic droplet ejector is used to eject small droplets of a fluid sample containing an analyte into the sampling tip of a continuous flow sampling probe, where the acoustically ejected droplet combines with a continuous, circulating flow stream of solvent within the flow probe. Fluid circulation within the probe transports the sample through a sample transport capillary to an outlet that directs the analyte away from the probe to an analytical instrument, e.g., a device that detects the presence, concentration quantity, and/or identity of the analyte. When the analytical instrument is a mass spectrometer or other type of device requiring the analyte to be in ionized form, the exiting droplets pass through an ionization region, e.g.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, methods and systems for differential mobility spectrometry are provided herein for simultaneously applying a plurality of SV/CV combinations to subsets of a population of ions generated by one or more ion sources. In various aspects, DMS devices in accordance with the present teachings can provide multiple channels (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) for operating in parallel and within which different electrical fields can be generated for filtering sample ions within those channels based on the characteristic mobilities of the ions within each channel. In this manner, devices and methods in accordance with the present teachings can, in various aspects, enable improved duty cycle, increased throughput, decreased sample consumption, increased sensitivity for a plurality of ions of interest, and/or increased resolution.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating ions from a liquid sample for mass spectrometry are provided herein. In various aspects, the methods and systems can enhance the break-up of a jet of the liquid sample upon injection into an ionization chamber. In some aspects, methods and systems perturb the liquid sample prior to discharge to increase the internal energy of the sample so as to enhance the formation of liquid droplets when the liquid sample is injected into the ionization chamber.

Abstract: A system including a differential mobility spectrometer is described as is a method of operating the system including the differential mobility spectrometer. The method and system involve a) providing ions to the differential mobility spectrometer; b) providing a drift gas to an inlet of the differential mobility spectrometer; c) adjusting a meter to define a selected volumetric flow rate for supplying a modifier liquid to the drift gas; and, d) supplying an actual volumetric flow rate of the modifier liquid to the drift gas, wherein the actual volumetric flow rate is within a percentage deviation from the selected volumetric flow rate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating ions from a liquid sample for mass spectrometry are provided herein. In various aspects, the methods and systems can enhance the break-up of a jet of the liquid sample upon injection into an ionization chamber. In some aspects, methods and systems perturb the liquid sample prior to discharge to increase the internal energy of the sample so as to enhance the formation of liquid droplets when the liquid sample is injected into the ionization chamber.

Abstract: An electrospray ion source method and system is provided for detecting emitter failure comprising a liquid chromatography column suitable for chromatographic separation of a sample. The column can have an inlet for receiving the sample; and an outlet for ejecting the sample. A make-up flow channel is provided for introducing make-up flow of liquid to the sample post-column, wherein the make-up flow normalizes the spray current. An electrospray ionization source is provided having one or more electrospray ionization emitter nozzles for receiving the make-up flow containing sample. A power supply can provide a voltage to the one or more emitter nozzles, and a measurement device can measure and monitor the spray current.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for extracting a sample from a sample surface. A sample is provided and a sample surface receives the sample which is deposited on the sample surface. A hydrophobic material is applied to the sample surface, and one or more devices are configured to dispense a liquid on the sample, the liquid dissolving the sample to form a dissolved sample material, and the one or more devices are configured to extract the dissolved sample material from the sample surface.

Abstract: An electrospray ion source method and system is provided for detecting emitter failure comprising a liquid chromatography column suitable for chromatographic separation of a sample. The column can have an inlet for receiving the sample; and an outlet for ejecting the sample. A make-up flow channel is provided for introducing make-up flow of liquid to the sample post-column, wherein the make-up flow normalizes the spray current. An electrospray ionization source is provided having one or more electrospray ionization emitter nozzles for receiving the make-up flow containing sample. A power supply can provide a voltage to the one or more emitter nozzles, and a measurement device can measure and monitor the spray current.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer system and method of operating same are provided. The system comprises an ion conduit for receiving ions; a boundary member defining a curtain gas chamber containing the ion conduit; a curtain gas supply for providing a curtain gas to an inlet of the ion conduit to provide a gas flow into the conduit, and a curtain gas outflow out of a curtain gas chamber inlet; a mass spectrometer at least partially sealed to, and in fluid communication with, the conduit for receiving the ions from the conduit; a vacuum chamber surrounding the mass spectrometer operable to draw the gas flow including the ions through the conduit and into the vacuum chamber; and, a gas outlet for drawing a gas outflow from the gas flow located between the conduit and the mass spectrometer to increase the gas flow rate through the conduit.