Abstract: In one aspect, a method of operating a high-throughput mass analysis device is disclosed, which includes sampling an unseparated sample from at least one sample holding element during a sampling interval for introduction of the sample into an ion source for ionizing the sample to generate a plurality of ions associated with at least one target analyte (herein also referred to as a target compound), if any, in said sample for delivery to an ion mobility separation device, and activating at least one control parameter of said ion mobility separation device for detection of said ions based on timing of the sampling of the sample and at least one identifier associated with the sample.

Abstract: System and method for high-throughput mass spectrometry are disclosed. In some embodiments the system comprises a sample introduction device, an ion source, an ion mobility separation device, a mass analyzer and a controller adapted to receive certain parameters from the IMSD and determine a mass range for more efficient operation of the mass analyzer. In some embodiments, the controller is adapted to provide data to, and receive data from other components to make the operation of the IMSD and the mass analyzer more efficient.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode is placed in parallel with the first electrode to provide constant gap distance. The gap between the first electrode and the second electrode is at atmospheric pressure. Ions are introduced into the center of the gap and travel through the apparatus in a direction parallel to the first electrode and the second electrode. The apparatus is configured as a high-field symmetric-waveform apparatus for filtering high mobility ions or for fragmenting ions. The apparatus is also configured for three modes of operation: as a conventional DMS; as a filter high mobility ions; and as fragmentation device. A symmetric electric field is produced in the gap with a maximum density normalized field strength greater than 10 Td to filter high mobility ions and with a maximum density normalized field strength greater than 100 Td to fragment ions.

Abstract: An electrospray probe for use in an electrospray ion source is disclosed, which comprises a cannula extending from a proximal end having an inlet aperture for receiving a liquid sample containing at least one analyte to a discharge emitter end having an outlet aperture through which charged liquid droplets containing ions of said analyte are discharged, and an electrically conductive coating covering at least a portion of an external surface and at least a portion of an internal surface of said emitter end.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems that provide for the analysis of one or more analytes of interest in an acoustic ejection mass spectrometer (AEMS) system that incorporates an open port interface (OPI) and differentiation mass spectrometry (DMS) that allows for operation of the system in a pseudo-continuous mode to scan and determine optimal DMS settings for the one or more analytes of interest, and for operation of the system in a discontinuous mode to analyze for the presence of the one or more analytes of interest in a sample.

Abstract: A gas introduction system for a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) includes a manifold including a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A mixing channel fluidically couples the gas inlet to the gas outlet. A plurality of modifier liquid supply inlets is coupled to the mixing channel and a plurality of selectively operable valves. One of the plurality of selectively operable valves is coupled to one of the plurality of modifier liquid supply inlets. A control system is in communication with each of the plurality of the selectively operable valves. The control system is configured to actuate each of the plurality of selectively operable valves.

Abstract: An automated method of operating a mass spectrometer (MS) comprising a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) includes: introducing a first compound to the DMS; calculating a first alpha function for the first compound; introducing a second compound to the DMS; calculating a second alpha function for the second compound; and determining operation parameters of the DMS to achieve sufficient separation of the first compound and the second compound, based on the first alpha function and the second alpha function.

Abstract: A method of operating a system including a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) and a mass spectrometer. A sample is introduced to the DMS. The sample is analyzed with the DMS. Data is generated based at least in part on an analyte ion generated from the sample and at least one transport gas composition. Library data of the analyte ion is accessed from a library. The generated data is compared to the library data. A signal is sent when the generated data deviates from the library data by more than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer comprises a first mass filter for receiving a plurality of ions and having a transmission bandwidth configured to allow transmission of ions having m/z ratios within a desired range, and a second mass filter that is disposed downstream of the first mass filter for selecting ions having a target m/z value within a transmission window thereof for mass analysis. The transmission bandwidth of the first mass filter encompasses at least two m/z ratios of interest such that one of said m/z ratios corresponds to said target m/z value within the transmission window of said second mass filter.

Abstract: A curtain chamber includes an orifice plate defining an orifice plate bore. A curtain plate is disposed adjacent to the orifice plate and defines a curtain plate bore. The orifice plate bore is disposed adjacent the curtain plate bore. A biasing element includes a first portion disposed in the orifice plate bore and a second portion disposed in the curtain plate bore. The biasing element biases the curtain plate towards the orifice plate. A race is defined by at least one of the orifice plate and the curtain plate. The race defines a race depth. A seal is disposed in the race. The seal includes an uncompressed seal depth greater than the race depth and a compressed seal depth less than the uncompressed seal depth.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated method parameter configuration for differential mobility separations. As non-limiting examples, various aspects of this disclosure provide receiving a sample in an open port interface; transferring the sample to an ionization source; ionizing the transferred sample; introducing the ionized sample into a mass spectrometer; mass analyzing the ionized sample to produce an initial mass analysis result; determining a peak width of the initial mass analysis result; and determining a dwell time for subsequent measurements based on the determined peak width, a pre-defined number of data points across subsequent mass analysis peak widths, and a number of different analytes to be assessed for the sample. The sample may be diluted and transferred to the ionization source by a sample introduction apparatus selected from a group including an acoustic droplet ejector (ADE), a pneumatic ejector, a piezoelectric ejector, and a hydraulic ejector.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing differential mobility spectrometry are provided herein. Systems and methods in accordance with various aspects of the present teachings provide differential mobility separation at drift gas volumetric flow rates greater than about 10 L/min, which are substantially higher than those previously reported and conventionally used in DMS-based analyses.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of performing mass spectrometric analysis of a sample, e.g. a food-based sample, is disclosed, which comprises ionizing the sample to generate a plurality of ions, introducing the plurality of ions into a mass filter configured to provide a high m/z cutoff greater than a maximum m/z ratio of ions associated with one or more analytes of interest in the sample so as to allow passage of the analyte ions while inhibiting passage of ions having m/z ratios above said high m/z cutoff, and performing a mass analysis of ions passing through said mass filter. In a related aspect, a mass spectrometer is disclosed, which comprises an atmospheric pressure ion source, a first mass filter, a user interface and a controller.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a liquid with a mass analysis device having a bubble generating interface (BGI) and a removal conduit includes aspirating a sample into the removal conduit at an aspira-tion pressure. Concurrently with aspirating the sample at least one operational condition of the BGI is controlled to generate a plurality of bubbles in the sample. Concurrently with aspirating the sample the plurality of bubbles are aspirated into the removal conduit. The sample and the plurality of bubbles are analyzed with the mass analysis device to generate a signal.

Abstract: A method of evacuating a liquid sample from an open port interface (OPI) via a pressure drop includes applying the pressure drop to a transport liquid. This application generates a plurality of bubbles in the transport liquid during evacuation of the transport liquid from the OPI via a transfer conduit. The liquid sample is separated from a subsequent liquid sample by at least one of the generated bubbles.

Abstract: A method of operating a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) includes providing a heater disposed proximate a ceramic body of a DMS cell. A first control voltage is applied to the heater. A first threshold is detected by a first sensor disposed within a curtain plate that substantially surrounds the DMS cell. A second control voltage is applied to the heater based at least in part on the detected first threshold. During application of the second control voltage, a mass spectrometry analysis of a gas within the DMS cell is performed.

Abstract: In one aspect, an ion guide for use in a mass spectrometry system is disclosed, which comprises an inlet for receiving a plurality of ions entrained in a gas flow, and a plurality of rods arranged in a multipole configuration so as to provide a passageway through which the received ions can traverse. At least one of the rods is configured for application of a DC and/or an RF voltage thereto for generating an electromagnetic field within the passageway suitable for focusing the ions, and a controller configured to maintain an operational pressure of the ion guide within a predefined range.

Abstract: In one aspect, an ion source for use in a mass spectrometry system is disclosed, which comprises a housing, a first and a second ion probe coupled to said housing, and a first and a second emitter configured for coupling, respectively, to said first and second ion probes. The first ion probe is configured for receiving a sample at a flow rate in nanoflow regime and the second ion probe is configured for receiving a sample at a flow rate above the nanoflow regime. Each of the ion probes includes a discharge end (herein also referred to as the discharge tip) for ionizing at least one constituent of the received sample. In some embodiment, each ion probe receives the sample from a liquid chromatography (LC) column. Further, the ion probes can be interchangeably disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the temperature gradient along a differential mobility spectrometer having a differential mobility spectrometer having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is configured to receive ions transported from an ion source by a transport gas. The differential mobility spectrometer has an internal operating pressure, electrodes, and at least one voltage source for providing DC and RF voltages to the electrodes for separating ions that are transported from the inlet to the outlet. A gas port is provided near the outlet for introducing a throttle gas to control the flow rate of the transport gas through the differential mobility spectrometer and thereby adjust the ion residence time. A heater is provided for controlling the temperature of the throttle gas to minimize the temperature gradient between the inlet and outlet of the differential mobility spectrometer. A method of calibrating a DMS is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, an ion source for use in a mass spectrometry system is disclosed, which comprises a housing, a first and a second ion probe coupled to said housing, and a first and a second emitter configured for coupling, respectively, to said first and second ion probes. The first ion probe is configured for receiving a sample at a flow rate in nanoflow regime and the second ion probe is configured for receiving a sample at a flow rate above the nanoflow regime. Each of the ion probes includes a discharge end (herein also referred to as the discharge tip) for ionizing at least one constituent of the received sample. In some embodiment, each ion probe receives the sample from a liquid chromatography (LC) column. Further, the ion probes can be interchangeably disposed within the housing.