Abstract: A mass spectrometry system includes a quadrupole, a quadrupole control, an ion detector and a controller with an ion detector protection module. The ion detector protection module monitors an output signal of the ion detector and when an accumulation of the output signal derived from receiving ions of a particular mass exceeds a threshold, the protection module causes the controller to prevent the ion detector from receiving more ions of that particular mass. In one implementation, when the threshold is exceeded, the protection module causes the controller to signal the quadrupole control to change the DC voltage so that ions are prevented from passing into the ion detector for the remainder of the SIM period. Accuracy is maintained at high signal levels by integrating long enough to get an accurate measurement. Because the signal level is large, only a short integration time is needed to achieve the measurement accuracy.

Abstract: Methods of producing nucleic acid arrays using an in situ nucleic acid synthesis protocol are provided. Embodiments include a functional group generation step performed by flowing a plurality of different fluids across the surface of a substrate in a manner such that any given lower density fluid is always above any given higher density fluid of the plurality. Also provided are the arrays produced using the subject methods, methods for use of the arrays, and devices for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A device for manipulating ions which includes a perforated folder of electrically conductive material, a first electrode fixed to the holder and a second electrode extending parallel to the first electrode and spaced from the first electrode and holder. The second electrode is connected to the holder through a rigid support of electrically insulated material.

Abstract: A method is provided of depositing a plurality of droplets of a bioactive material at a first concentration in a fluid to form a spot on a substrate, the spot having a first bioactivity level; and controlling the plurality of droplets to control the size of the spot and control the bioactivity level of the spot to not be equal to the number of droplets times the first bioactivity level.