Abstract: An apparatus for electrospray ionization of a liquid sample matrix to prepare the sample for introduction into a mass spectrometer. The inventive electrospray interface is arranged between a source of a liquid sample matrix and an electrospray ionization needle. The interface includes a central chamber which contains elements for passively mixing the liquid sample flow with a modifying liquid added to the central chamber through a side channel. The side channel is isolated from the central chamber by a flow restrictor and the modifying liquid is provided to the side channel through a valve. A second valve, side channel, and flow restrictor are used to permit introduction of a calibration fluid into the central chamber through the first side channel. The inventive interface permits mixing of a modifying liquid with the liquid sample matrix to assist in nebulization of the liquid sample by reducing the surface tension of the sample containing fluid.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 28, 1998
Date of Patent:
August 14, 2001
Assignee:
Varian, Inc.
Inventors:
Gregory J. Wells, Roger C. Tong, Peter P. Yee