Abstract: The present invention is a sample preparation system and method that can be used with all types of analyte materials, that produces homogeneously deposited crystals across a sample surface, and that lends itself to automation. In this system and method, analyte crystallization is caused by lyophilization. A homogeneous analyte/solvent mixture is placed on a sample surface. The mixture is frozen, then the solvent is sublimated through the application of a vacuum. A homogenous distribution of analyte crystals across the sample surface results.

Abstract: A laser desorption ionization instrument for measuring the molecular weight of large organic molecules includes a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The time of flight mass spectrometer includes a sample lock for holding, under vacuum, a plurality of samples to be analyzed. A sample may be inserted into and removed from the sample lock and into the mass spectrometer without breaking vacuum in the spectrometer. Signal processing electronics of the LDIM instrument include means for identifying quasi-molecular species of a molecule being measured. The instrument includes improvements in ion optics, microchannel plate detectors, laser irradiation of samples, and preparation of samples for measurement.

Abstract: A laser desorption ionization instrument for measuring the molecular weight of large organic molecules includes a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The time of flight mass spectrometer includes a sample lock for holding, under vacuum, a plurality of samples to be analyzed. A sample may be inserted into and removed from the sample lock and into the mass spectrometer without breaking vacuum in the spectrometer. Signal processing electronics of the LDIM instrument include means for identifying quasi-molecular species of a molecule being measured. The instrument includes improvements in ion optics, microchannel plate detectors, laser irradiation of samples, and preparation of samples for measurement.