Abstract: A method of separating ions includes providing a FAIMS analyzer region including an ion inlet orifice for providing ions thereto, and providing a sample holder along a side of the ion inlet orifice that is opposite the FAIMS analyzer. A sample material is applied to the sample holder such that sample material is disposed about first and second points along the sample holder, a distance between the first and second points being greater than a maximum dimension of the ion inlet orifice. The first point is aligned with the ion inlet orifice, and the sample material disposed about the first point is irradiated with laser light of a predetermined wavelength. Next, the sample holder is moved relative to the ion inlet so as to align the second point with the ion inlet orifice, and the sample material disposed about the second point is irradiated with laser light of a predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A method of separating ions comprises applying a spot of a sample material to a target plate. The target plate is mounted in fluid communication with an ion inlet orifice of a FAIMS analyzer region and externally to the FAIMS analyzer region. Using a laser light source that is disposed external to the FAIMS analyzer region, the target plate is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength, the light of a predetermined wavelength being selected to affect the sample material applied to the target plate so as to produce ions of the sample material. The ions of the sample material are directed along an ion flow path between the target plate and FAIMS analyzer region, via the ion inlet orifice. A flow of a gas is directed counter-current to the ion flow path and passing through the target plate. The flow of gas through the target plate assists in desolvation of ions and directs neutral molecules away from the FAIMS analyzer region.

Abstract: A method of separating ions comprises applying a spot of a sample material to a target plate. The target plate is mounted in fluid communication with an ion inlet orifice of a FAIMS analyzer region and externally to the FAIMS analyzer region. Using a laser light source that is disposed external to the FAIMS analyzer region, the target plate is irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength, the light of a predetermined wavelength being selected to affect the sample material applied to the target plate so as to produce ions of the sample material. The ions of the sample material are directed along an ion flow path between the target plate and FAIMS analyzer region, via the ion inlet orifice. A flow of a gas is directed counter-current to the ion flow path and passing through the target plate. The flow of gas through the target plate assists in desolvation of ions and directs neutral molecules away from the FAIMS analyzer region.

Abstract: A method of separating ions includes providing a FAIMS analyzer region including an ion inlet orifice for providing ions thereto, and providing a sample holder along a side of the ion inlet orifice that is opposite the FAIMS analyzer. A sample material is applied to the sample holder such that sample material is disposed about first and second points along the sample holder, a distance between the first and second points being greater than a maximum dimension of the ion inlet orifice. The first point is aligned with the ion inlet orifice, and the sample material disposed about the first point is irradiated with laser light of a predetermined wavelength. Next, the sample holder is moved relative to the ion inlet so as to align the second point with the ion inlet orifice, and the sample material disposed about the second point is irradiated with laser light of a predetermined wavelength.