Abstract: A portable detection device includes a surface sampling probe connected to a mass spectrometer, preferably mounted on a portable cart, and a transfer line for transporting samples from the probe to the mass spectrometer. The surface sampling probe is formed from a circular block or disk of metal such as copper and is provided with various holes in which cartridge heaters are located. The disk is preferably electroplated with nickel and then gold to allow for efficient heat transfer to the surface to be sampled. With this arrangement, in addition to other advantages, the presence of very low volatile or non-volatile materials may be determined.

Abstract: This invention is designed to serve as an interface between a liquid chromatograph and a conventional or tandem mass spectrometer (LC/MS, LC/MS/MS). It may also be used for liquid sampling without prior separation of analytes by a liquid chromatograph. This invention differs from prior art in that vaporization of the analytical sample (LC eluent) occurs through the action of condensing pressurized steam on the exterior of a low thermal mass metal capillary, while the aqueous LC eluent is flowing through the metal capillary. The steam is obtained by heating a small volume of water sealed within the device. LC eluent entering the capillary results in localized cooling and subsequent condensation of the pressurized steam on the outer surface of the capillary. The process of condensation deposits energy to the capillary equivalent to the latent heat of vaporization of water. This energy results in flash vaporization of the LC eluent within the capillary.