Abstract: A contactless detection cell (1) for detecting an electrical property of one or more sample compounds in a flow path is described. The contactless detection cell (1) comprises a transmitter electrode (3) adapted for capacitively coupling an AC current into a detection channel (4) of the flow path, and a receiver electrode (5) adapted for receiving the AC current that has been coupled into the detection channel (4). An inner cross-section (IDDET) in at least a section of the detection channel is different than an inner cross-section (IDSEP) of the flow path (2) towards the detection channel (4).

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a mass spectrometry system, having an ion source including an ionization device for producing ions, a collection conduit adjacent to the ionization device for collecting ions produced by the ionization device, a first gas source for supplying gas to desolvate ions produced by the ionization device, a second gas source for supplying gas at a defined flow to the ionization region, and a detector downstream from the ion source for detecting ions produced by the ion source. The invention also provides an ion source including an ionization device for producing ions, a collection conduit adjacent to the ionization device for collecting ions produced by the ionization device, a first gas source for supplying gas to desolvate ions produced by the ionization device, and a second gas source for supplying gas at a defined flow to the ionization region. A method for producing analyte ions is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a mass spectrometry system, having an ion source including an ionization device for producing ions, a collection conduit adjacent to the ionization device for collecting ions produced by the ionization device, a first gas source for supplying gas to desolvate ions produced by the ionization device, a second gas source for supplying gas at a defined flow to the ionization region, and a detector downstream from the ion source for detecting ions produced by the ion source. The invention also provides an ion source including an ionization device for producing ions, a collection conduit adjacent to the ionization device for collecting ions produced by the ionization device, a first gas source for supplying gas to desolvate ions produced by the ionization device, and a second gas source for supplying gas at a defined flow to the ionization region. A method for producing analyte ions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for mixing fluids is provided. The device is comprised of a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening located on a surface of the substrate and a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening located on a surface of the cover plate. Also provided is a means for producing relative sliding motion between the cover plate and substrate surfaces. The substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second openings when fluid is present in the mixing features. Also provided is a method for mixing fluids. The device and method are particularly suited for microfluidic applications.

Abstract: Devices and methods for contactless heating of a fluid in a chamber using a high frequency alternating potential are described. At least two electrodes are coupled to the chamber such that the alternating potential is coupled to the fluid inside the chamber and heats the fluid. A control loop derives a signal from the alternating potential and uses the signal to control the alternating potential. The devices and methods described determine temperature and/or conductivity of the fluid using the signal.

Abstract: A device for mixing fluids is provided. The device is comprised of a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening located on a surface of the substrate and a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening located on a surface of the cover plate. Also provided is a means for producing relative sliding motion between the cover plate and substrate surfaces. The substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second openings when fluid is present in the mixing features. Also provided is a method for mixing fluids. The device and method are particularly suited for microfluidic applications.

Abstract: A modular microchannel apparatus for analysis of an analyte. The apparatus includes a separation unit and a reservoir unit. The separation unit has a microchannel. The analyte can be driven to pass through the microchannel such that the time for the analyte to pass through the microchannel is indicative of the molecular characteristics of the analyte. The reservoir unit has one or more reservoirs for coupling operatively modularly with the separation unit to supply liquid reagents to the separation unit. The reservoirs has prepackaged liquid reagents in it before the reservoir unit is coupled with the separation unit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for contactless heating of a fluid in a chamber using a high frequency alternating potential are described. At least two electrodes are coupled to the chamber such that the alternating potential is coupled to the fluid inside the chamber and heats the fluid. A control loop derives a signal from the alternating potential and uses the signal to control the alternating potential. The devices and methods described determine temperature and/or conductivity of the fluid using the signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting sample fluids into a mass spectrometer. The device comprises a well plate comprising a plurality of wells, a fluid transporting assembly, and a mass spectrometer interface. The fluid-transporting assembly is comprised of a plurality of fluid-transporting conduits, each extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, wherein the assembly exhibits sufficient flexibility to allow movable positioning of the outlet ports with respect to the inlet ports. Each inlet port of the fluid-transporting assembly is positioned in fluid communication with a different well of the well plate to form a plurality of flow paths. Each flow path originates at a well and travels, in succession, through the conduit inlet port, the conduit, the conduit outlet port, and the mass spectrometer interface. Fluids emerging from the mass spectrometer interface may be introduced into a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: In a differential condition, an electrophoresis system antisynchronously drives a longitudinally-separated pair of contactless drive electrodes, both of which are coupled to a detection electrode through a separation channel. In this condition, the system provides a series of peaks readout in ITP-separation mode. In a direct condition, the system antisynchronously drives a pair of drive electrodes, only one of which is coupled to the detection electrode through the channel; the other is coupled to the detection electrode but not though the channel. In this condition, the system provides a series of peaks readout in CZE mode. In either case, the antisynchronous drive enhances the detection signal by canceling at the detection electrode signal components associated with the AC drive source. Similar advantages are achieved for a capillary differential electrophoresis system and for a planar direct electrophoresis system.

Abstract: A miniaturized ion analysis system with a contactless conductivity detection means is described for use in liquid phase sample analysis and detection. The device is formed by microfabrication of microstructures in novel support substrates. The detection means can be fabricated directly in the support body at the point of detection or other locations on the device or, alternatively, may be formed as part of a modular structure that is insertable into the device at the point of detection. In addition, a method is provided for analyzing ionic species present in a sample using the miniaturized ion analysis device. The invention herein is used for the analysis of ionic solutes in the liquid phase.

Abstract: A modular microchannel apparatus for analysis of an analyte. The apparatus includes a separation unit and a reservoir unit. The separation unit has a microchannel. The analyte can be driven to pass through the microchannel such that the time for the analyte to pass through the microchannel is indicative of the molecular characteristics of the analyte. The reservoir unit has one or more reservoirs for coupling operatively modularly with the separation unit to supply liquid reagents to the separation unit. The reservoirs has prepackaged liquid reagents in it before the reservoir unit is coupled with the separation unit.