Abstract: A MALDI/LDI source is disclosed that includes an ion optical device and beam-focusing optics disposed on opposite sides of a sample support that is at least locally transparent in a region underlying the sample to allow transmission of a radiation beam therethrough. A laser or other radiation source, located adjacent a rear surface of the sample support, emits a beam of radiation that is focused by the beam focusing optics and traverses the transparent region of the sample support to impinge on the sample. Ions produced by irradiation of the sample are collected by an ion optical device located adjacent the front surface of the sample support. By locating the ion optical device and beam-focusing optics on opposite sides of the sample support, short focal length beam-focusing optics may be utilized, thereby facilitating smaller beam spot sizes. This may be particularly useful for mass spectral tissue imaging and other applications where high spatial resolution analysis of a differentiated sample is desirable.

Abstract: Ion source assemblies for generating ions for laser desorption mass spectrometry. An ion source assembly includes a target for receiving analyte samples and a plurality of rods. The rods define an interior volume having an axis extending away from a surface of the target for transporting ions. One or more of the rods include an aperture defining an opening through a cross-section of the rod. The aperture is configured such that a laser beam can pass through the aperture to irradiate a location on the target surface to generate ions from an analyte sample deposited at the location.

Abstract: Ion source assemblies for generating ions for laser desorption mass spectrometry. An ion source assembly includes a target for receiving analyte samples and a plurality of rods. The rods define an interior volume having an axis extending away from a surface of the target for transporting ions. One or more of the rods include an aperture defining an opening through a cross-section of the rod. The aperture is configured such that a laser beam can pass through the aperture to irradiate a location on the target surface to generate ions from an analyte sample deposited at the location.