Abstract: A programmed computer analyzes data from a mass spectrometer. A spectrum corresponding to an unknown sample is perturbed in various ways, and each perturbed spectrum is compared with the spectrum of a known or reference substance. The perturbed spectrum having the highest correlation with the known spectrum, and which is also physically plausible, is considered to be the best fit. The method indicates in what specific ways the unknown sample differs from, or is similar to, the known substance.

Abstract: A programmed computer analyzes data from a mass spectrometer. A spectrum corresponding to an unknown sample is perturbed in various ways, and each perturbed spectrum is compared with the spectrum of a known or reference substance. The perturbed spectrum having the highest correlation with the known spectrum, and which is also physically plausible, is considered to be the best fit. The method indicates in what specific ways the unknown sample differs from, or is similar to, the known substance.

Abstract: An electrospray interlace apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inner needle for transferring a liquid sample to an ionizing region at one end of the needle. A first outer tube surrounds and is spaced apart from the needle to form a cylindrical space through which a flowing liquid may pass. The tube has one end extending beyond the end of the needle to define a mixing volume where the sample and liquid can mix. A second outer tube surrounds the first tube to define a second cylindrical space for flowing a gas past the end of the first tube and needle to focus the electrospray. A voltage is also provided between the tips of the needle and the tubes and an adjacent surface.

Abstract: An electrospray ion source having a capillary tube for directing ions from an ionizing region to an analyzing region including a skimmer in which the capillary tube is oriented to cause undesolvated droplets to strike the skimmer.

Abstract: An electrospray interface apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inner needle for transferring a liquid sample to an ionizing region at one end of the needle. A first outer tube surrounds and is spaced apart from the needle to form a cylindrical space through which a flowing liquid may pass. The tube has one end extending beyond the end of the needle to define a mixing volume where the sample and liquid can mix. A second outer tube surrounds the first tube to define a second cylindrical space for flowing a gas past the end of the first tube and needle to focus the electrospray. A voltage is also provided between the tips of the needle and the tubes and an adjacent surface.

Abstract: An electrospray ion source having a capillary tube for directing ions from an ionizing region to an analyzing region where it forms a gas jet with ions which expands and a tube lens cooperating with said capillary for forcing ions to the center of said jet.

Abstract: An electrospray ion source in which the liquid sample is sheathed with a sheath liquid which reduces the formation of water droplets and minimizes formation of high energy neutrals, resulting in improved signal-to-noise ratios.

Abstract: An improved system and method for high resolution gas chromatography (GC) is disclosed. This invention involves the use of fused silica open tubular capillary columns having a conductive exterior coating and an arrangement for electrically coupling a power source to such coating, whereby it is now possible to effect direct resistive heating of the capillary column while controlling the temperature thereof. Such control is achieved by measurement of the resistance of the conductive coating, correlating such resistance with the temperature of the column and increasing or decreasing the electrical power supplied to such coating, as appropriate, to effect the desired adjustment in column temperature. Because of the low thermal mass of the column and the conductive coating, temperature changes can be effected readily thereby improving the speed of such separation and reducing the time interval between resolution of successive samples.

Abstract: An electrospray ion source having a capillary tube for directing ions from an ionizing region to an analyzing region including a skimmer in which the capillary tube is oriented to cause undesolvated droplets to strike the skimmer.