Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated method parameter configuration for differential mobility separations. As non-limiting examples, various aspects of this disclosure provide receiving a sample in an open port interface; transferring the sample to an ionization source; ionizing the transferred sample; introducing the ionized sample into a mass spectrometer; mass analyzing the ionized sample to produce an initial mass analysis result; determining a peak width of the initial mass analysis result; and determining a dwell time for subsequent measurements based on the determined peak width, a pre-defined number of data points across subsequent mass analysis peak widths, and a number of different analytes to be assessed for the sample. The sample may be diluted and transferred to the ionization source by a sample introduction apparatus selected from a group including an acoustic droplet ejector (ADE), a pneumatic ejector, a piezoelectric ejector, and a hydraulic ejector.

Abstract: Methods of detecting at least one analyte in at least one liquid sample are described.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of performing mass spectrometric analysis of a sample, e.g. a food-based sample, is disclosed, which comprises ionizing the sample to generate a plurality of ions, introducing the plurality of ions into a mass filter configured to provide a high m/z cutoff greater than a maximum m/z ratio of ions associated with one or more analytes of interest in the sample so as to allow passage of the analyte ions while inhibiting passage of ions having m/z ratios above said high m/z cutoff, and performing a mass analysis of ions passing through said mass filter. In a related aspect, a mass spectrometer is disclosed, which comprises an atmospheric pressure ion source, a first mass filter, a user interface and a controller.

Abstract: In one aspect, an ion guide for use in a mass spectrometry system is disclosed, which comprises an inlet for receiving a plurality of ions entrained in a gas flow, and a plurality of rods arranged in a multipole configuration so as to provide a passageway through which the received ions can traverse. At least one of the rods is configured for application of a DC and/or an RF voltage thereto for generating an electromagnetic field within the passageway suitable for focusing the ions, and a controller configured to maintain an operational pressure of the ion guide within a predefined range.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for optimizing performance of a mass spectrometer comprises using an ion source to generate ions, collisionally cooling the ions within an ion guide, directing said ions from the ion guide through at least one ion lens to a downstream mass analyzer, ramping a DC voltage applied to the ion lens, performing a mass analysis of the ions within the mass analyzer while the DC voltage applied to the ion lens is ramped, estimating performance of the mass spectrometer by measuring one or more characteristics of at least one of an ion signal and the voltage ramp, and adjusting a DC voltage applied to said at least one lens element based on said measured one or more characteristics of at least one of the ion signal and the voltage ramp so as to enhance performance of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating and distinguishing between isotopic or isobaric opioid and/or benzodiazepine species within a sample. The method comprises introducing ions of the sample to an inlet of a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS), introducing a transport gas to carry the ions through the DMS, supplying an acetate modifier to the transport gas to modify the differential mobility of the ions, transporting the ions through the DMS in the presences of the acetate modifier and selectively transporting each of the species by selectively applying a corresponding compensation voltage for that species to allow that species to transport through and exit from the DMS.

Abstract: An electrospray probe for use in an electrospray ion source is disclosed, which comprises a cannula extending from a proximal end having an inlet aperture for receiving a liquid sample containing at least one analyte to a discharge emitter end having an outlet aperture through which charged liquid droplets containing ions of said analyte are discharged, and an electrically conductive coating covering at least a portion of an external surface and at least a portion of an internal surface of said emitter end.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for optimizing performance of a mass spectrometer comprises using an ion source to generate ions, collisionally cooling the ions within an ion guide, directing said ions from the ion guide through at least one ion lens to a downstream mass analyzer, ramping a DC voltage applied to the ion lens, performing a mass analysis of the ions within the mass analyzer while the DC voltage applied to the ion lens is ramped, estimating performance of the mass spectrometer by measuring one or more characteristics of at least one of an ion signal and the voltage ramp, and adjusting a DC voltage applied to said at least one lens element based on said measured one or more characteristics of at least one of the ion signal and the voltage ramp so as to enhance performance of the mass spectrometer.