Abstract: A non-reactive electrospray needle structure that can be used with relatively low electrical potential introduced externally at a selectable location along the length of the needle structure. The electrospray device or apparatus includes a non-conductive tube with an inner diameter, with one end of the tube having a reduced inner diameter thereby forming a tip. The tube is configured to have a fracture in it, positioned a predetermined or selectable distance from the tip. An electrically conductive path, such as a wire or electrode, is provided external to the tube and proximate to the fracture. A collar surrounds the tube proximate the fracture. The electrically conductive path provides a voltage potential to charge the spray. The collar maintains the conductive path in place, seals the tube at the fracture, and provides structural strength. In one embodiment, the tube is packed with a binding material to form a column bed.

Abstract: A thin layer for sample analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry, comprising a matrix material in a supported dispersion wherein the support is a solid or is formed from a solid. The invention is also directed to a method of making a thin layer for sample analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry, the layer comprising a matrix-solid composition disposed upon a substrate, comprising the step of depositing a solution containing matrix, solid and solvent upon a spinning substrate at a deposition rate sufficient to allow evaporation of the solvent, thereby interspersing the matrix and support on the substrate in a thin layer. Enhanced mass resolution is described.

Abstract: An electrospray (ES) apparatus provides efficient reagent addition and improved ionization of an analyte aerosol at high flow rates by combining an ionized reagent aerosol with the analyte aerosol, thereby producing a superior ionized analyte aerosol for mass spectronomy (MS) implementations. The ES apparatus separately receives a reagent and a flow stream comprising analyte. The ES apparatus nebulizes the reagent and flow stream into aerosols, ionizes the reagent aerosol, combines the aerosols into an ionized analyte aerosol, and outputs the ionized analyte aerosol towards a mass spectrometer. The ionized analyte aerosol is formed at high flow rates and with effective reagent mixing, thereby minimizing flow stream aberrations and substantially improving signal sensitivity and selectivity in the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A system and process for analyzing a liquid sample is disclosed which includes an ultrasonic nebulizer capable of vibrating at a frequency between about 50 Khz and 760 Khz for converting the liquid sample to a liquid aerosol. The liquid aerosol is heated at a pressure of at least atmospheric pressure to evaporate solvent in the aerosol and to form a solid aerosol. The solid aerosol is separated from the evaporate solvent and the solid aerosol is directed into an electron impact ionizer and a mass spectrometer where it is analyzed.

Abstract: A system for forming a time modulated electrospray from a sample solution is provided. Further systems for analyzing this time modulated electrospray also are provided. An element connected to a time modulated voltage source is positioned substantially opposite an electrospray apparatus and an analytical apparatus so that the initial direction of travel of the electrospray is reversed and the electrospray is diverted into the analytical apparatus. A second time modulated voltage can be provided which causes the periodic deflection of an ion beam, resulting from a time modulated electrospray, into a mass analyzer in a vacuum system. The modulation of this second voltage source is coordinated with the time modulation of the first voltage source which causes the formation of an electrospray in such a manner that efficiency of sample introduction into the mass analyzer is improved.

Abstract: A system for forming a time modulated electrospray from a sample solution is provided. Further systems for analyzing this time modulated electrospray are provided. In a preferred such further system, a grid connected to a time modulated voltage source is provided between an electrospray apparatus and an analytical apparatus. More generally, a system for changing the energy of charged particles in a gas comprising the application of time modulated electric fields is provided.

Abstract: A housing is provided for converting an electrospray into a desolvated ion stream for analysis. The housing is positioned between an electrospray device and an ion stream analytical device. The housing is heated and includes a passageway within which a moving electrospray is converted to the ion stream.