Abstract: A method apparatus wherein a plurality of electric fields and of orthogonal spray configurations of vaporized analyte are so combined as to enhance the efficiency of analyte detection and mass analysis. The method and apparatus provides reduced noise and increased signal sensitivity in both API electrospray and APCI operating modes.

Abstract: An automated calibrant system is provided for use in a liquid separation/mass spectrometry (LS/MS) apparatus. The calibrant system is pneumatically pressurized to forcibly move a reference liquid from the calibrant system to an ion source. The ion source is in fluid communication with a switching valve and with a mass spectrometer. The switching valve communicates effluent from a liquid separation system to the source when the switching valve is in a first position, and communicates one or more reference liquids from the calibrant system to the source when the switching valve is in a second position. The switching valve, and liquid handling valves in the calibrant system, can be individually activated manually or by automated means to alternate between analytical and calibration modes of operation in the LS/MS apparatus. A method is also provided for calibrating a mass spectrometer in a LS/MS apparatus during processing of a liquid sample by the liquid separation system.

Abstract: The invention teaches the uses of a plurality of electric fields and of orthogonal spray configurations of vaporized analyte which combine so as to operate to enhance the efficiency of analyte detection and mass analysis with a mass spectrometer by reducing vapor in the vacuum system and concomitant noise. Several embodiments of the invention are described for purposes of illustration.

Abstract: .[.The invention teaches the uses of a plurality of electric fields and of orthogonal spray configurations of vaporized analyte which combine so as to operate to enhance the efficiency of analyte detection and mass analysis with a mass spectrometer by reducing vapor in the vacuum system and concomitant noise. Several embodiments of the invention are described for purposes of illustration..]. .Iadd.The invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving signal relative to noise without loss of ion collection efficiency in electrospray mass spectrometry, including liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry..Iaddend.