Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method and apparatus for transporting ions from a first pressure region in a mass spectrometer to a second pressure region therein. More specifically, the present invention provides a segmented ion funnel for more efficient use in mass spectrometry (particularly with ionization sources) to transport ions from the first pressure region to the second pressure region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method and apparatus for transporting ions from a first pressure region in a mass spectrometer to a second pressure region therein. More specifically, the present invention provides a segmented ion funnel for more efficient use in mass spectrometry (particularly with ionization sources) to transport ions from the first pressure region to the second pressure region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), whereby the components of a sample separated by the column of a chromatographic separation device such as a liquid chromatograph or capillary electrophoresis are eluted and deposited on a sample support plate in a continuous track which both concentrates the sample components and preserves the fidelity of the separation. Analysis by MALDI is thus decoupled from the requirements of the separation and deposition and is performed by moving the continuous track relative to a focused laser beam in order to ionize the sample. The deposition capillary is in relative motion to the sample support plate with a speed of motion compatible with the liquid flow rate.