Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source for the generation of ions and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry are provided herein. In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, MS-based systems and methods are provided in which the flow of desorption solvent within a sampling probe fluidly coupled to an ion source can be selectively controlled such that one or more analyte species can be desorbed from a sample substrate inserted within the sampling probe within a decreased volume of desorption solvent for subsequently delivery to the ion source. In various aspects, sensitivity can be increased due to higher desorption efficiency (e.g., due to increased desorption time) and/or decreased dilution of the desorbed analytes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source for the generation of ions and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry are provided herein. In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, MS-based systems and methods are provided in which the flow of desorption solvent within a sampling probe fluidly coupled to an ion source can be selectively controlled such that one or more analyte species can be desorbed from a sample substrate inserted within the sampling probe within a decreased volume of desorption solvent for subsequently delivery to the ion source. In various aspects, sensitivity can be increased due to higher desorption efficiency (e.g., due to increased desorption time) and/or decreased dilution of the desorbed analytes.

Abstract: Sampling probes and interfaces for mass spectrometry systems and methods are described to analyze a composition of a substance. The system includes a liquid reservoir containing solvent; a gas reservoir containing nebulizer gas; a conduit that is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, the conduit comprising a first and second portion and a junction portion, the first and second portion being joined at the junction portion, and defining an angle therebetween at the junction and the junction portion contains an aperture that is open to the atmosphere. A nebulizer conduit that is co-axial and partially surrounds the second portion and completely surrounds an end of the second portion can also be present, the nebulizer conduit being fluidly connected to the gas reservoir and that allows a gas to flow from the gas reservoir over an external surface of the second portion and the end of the second portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitter (95) and detector (e.g., integrated as an ultrasound transducer) utilized in a feedback control system automatically monitors and/or detects surface profile (e.g., shape) of the liquid-air interface and adjusts the flow rate of sampling liquid to ensure that experimental conditions remain consistent at the time of sample introduction during serial samplings. The feedback control can provide for automated adjustment of the surface profile of the liquid-air interface in accordance with changes in desired set point according to an experimental workflow (e.g., automated adjustment between an interface corresponding to a vortex sampling set point and an overflow cleaning set point).

Abstract: A method for the repeated analysis of a sample bearing location. The sample bearing location may include, for instance, a sampled point in a tissue slice that is spatially and temporally correlated to the original slice. The slice may be in whole, or in part, a complete item or a portion of a complete item such as, for example, a human organ. The method improves the analysis process, such as mass spectrometry analysis, by providing a much more complete characterization of the target. The method also allows for the splitting of the sample and chemical/physical alteration of the aliquots for enhanced chemical analysis.

Abstract: A device that produces charged droplets whose composition is optimized for the creation of ions by electro spray composed of: a transport device that is operative to transfer sample components from a liquid sample to a processing chamber, a flowing stream of liquid through the processing chamber into which the samples are deposited, a controller mechanism operative to control the amount of sample transferred, a transport tube through which the flowing liquid containing the sample is directed to an electro spray emitter with a high electric field at the exit, a flow of expanding gas surrounding the electro spray emitter creating a pressure drop at the exit, and, a mass spectrometer for measuring the number of ions produced from the charged droplets emanating from the emitter; wherein the dilution of the sample in the processing chamber and transport fluid is from 100 to 10,000-fold.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering liquid sample to an ion source and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry. In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, MS-based systems and methods are provided in which desorption solvent is used in sampling interface to desorb analyte species from an SPME device that is coupled to an ion source to ionize analyte species desorbed into the desorption solvent for MS analysis (e.g., without a liquid chromatography (LC) column between the sampling interface and the ion source). In various aspects of the methods and systems described herein, configuring the sampling interface can be optimized so as to reduce the fluid volume dead space about the fluid inlet so as to concentrate the one or more analyte species desorbed at optimized conditions from the SPME substrate in a decreased volume of the desorption solvent when the SPME device is inserted into sampling interface.

Abstract: Mass spectrometer based analytical systems and methods in which a feedback control system can be utilized to control the flow of liquid within a sampling probe to adjust and/or maintain the surface profile (e.g., shape) of the liquid-air interface within an open sampling port of the sampling probe. The feedback control systems can automatically monitor and/or detect the surface profile of the liquid-air interface and adjust the flow rate of the sampling liquid to ensure that experimental conditions remain consistent at the time of sample introduction during serial samplings. These can provide stable and reproducible analyte flows of consistent dilution to the ion source, increasing reproducibility and/or accuracy of data generated by MS analysis. Can be used with a change in the desired set point according to the particular experimental workflow (e.g., automated adjustment between an interface corresponding to a sampling set point and a cleaning set point).

Abstract: Electromagnetic systems and corresponding methods for assembling the electromagnetic systems are described. The electromagnetic systems can be used in fluid processing systems that include a plurality of fluid containers, each configured to define a fluid chamber that receives a fluid and a plurality of magnetic particles, and a plurality of electromagnets configured to generate a magnetic field within at least one of the plurality of the fluid containers. The fluid processing system can also include a PCB board that supplies the electromagnets with electrical current by establishing an electrical connection between electrical contact terminals included on the PCB board and spring loaded connections included on each electromagnet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for atmospheric pressure chemical ionization are provided herein. In various aspects, the APCI apparatus, systems, and methods can provide an asymmetric sample spray into a vaporization chamber asymmetrically (e.g., off axis from the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber) so as to increase the interaction of the molecules in the sample spray with the vaporization chamber's sidewalls (and expose more of the molecules to the heat generated thereby), which can thereby result in improved consistency and/or efficiency of ion formation, and/or increased sensitivity relative to conventional APCI techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode is placed in parallel with the first electrode to provide constant gap distance. The gap between the first electrode and the second electrode is at atmospheric pressure. Ions are introduced into the center of the gap and travel through the apparatus in a direction parallel to the first electrode and the second electrode. The apparatus is configured as a high-field symmetric-waveform apparatus for filtering high mobility ions or for fragmenting ions. The apparatus is also configured for three modes of operation: as a conventional DMS; as a filter high mobility ions; and as fragmentation device. A symmetric electric field is produced in the gap with a maximum density normalized field strength greater than 10 Td to filter high mobility ions and with a maximum density normalized field strength greater than 100 Td to fragment ions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering liquid sample to an ion source and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry. In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, MS-based systems and methods are provided in which desorption solvent is used in sampling interface to desorb analyte species from an SPME device that is coupled to an ion source to ionize analyte species desorbed into the desorption solvent for MS analysis (e.g., without a liquid chromatography (LC) column between the sampling interface and the ion source). In various aspects of the methods and systems described herein, configuring the sampling interface can be optimized so as to reduce the fluid volume dead space about the fluid inlet so as to concentrate the one or more analyte species desorbed at optimized conditions from the SPME substrate in a decreased volume of the desorption solvent when the SPME device is inserted into sampling interface.

Abstract: Sampling probes and interfaces for mass spectrometry systems and methods are described to analyze a composition of a substance. The system includes a liquid reservoir containing solvent; a gas reservoir containing nebulizer gas; a conduit that is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, the conduit comprising a first and second portion and a junction portion, the first and second portion being joined at the junction portion, and defining an angle therebetween at the junction and the junction portion contains an aperture that is open to the atmosphere. A nebulizer conduit that is co-axial and partially surrounds the second portion and completely surrounds an end of the second portion can also be present, the nebulizer conduit being fluidly connected to the gas reservoir and that allows a gas to flow from the gas reservoir over an external surface of the second portion and the end of the second portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source for the generation of ions and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry are provided herein. In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, MS-based systems and methods are provided in which the flow of desorption solvent within a sampling probe fluidly coupled to an ion source can be selectively controlled such that one or more analyte species can be desorbed from a sample substrate inserted within the sampling probe within a decreased volume of desorption solvent for subsequently delivery to the ion source. In various aspects, sensitivity can be increased due to higher desorption efficiency (e.g., due to increased desorption time) and/or decreased dilution of the desorbed analytes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode is placed in parallel with the first electrode to provide constant gap distance. The gap between the first electrode and the second electrode is at atmospheric pressure. Ions are introduced into the center of the gap and travel through the apparatus in a direction parallel to the first electrode and the second electrode. The apparatus is configured as a high-field symmetric-waveform apparatus for filtering high mobility ions or for fragmenting ions. The apparatus is also configured for three modes of operation: as a conventional DMS; as a filter high mobility ions; and as fragmentation device. A symmetric electric field is produced in the gap with a maximum density normalized field strength greater than 10 Td to filter high mobility ions and with a maximum density normalized field strength greater than 100 Td to fragment ions.

Abstract: Because most ion optics of mass spectrometry systems are subject to ion deposition and may exhibit significantly different behavior following substantial contamination (e.g., loss of sensitivity), fouled surfaces must be regularly cleaned to maintain sensitivity. While the surfaces of front-end components (e.g., curtain plates, orifice plates, Qjet, Q0, IQ0) may be relatively easy to clean, the fouling of components contained within the downstream high-vacuum chambers (e.g., Q1, IQ1) can incur substantial delays and expense as the high-vacuum chambers must be vented and substantially disassembled prior to cleaning. Methods and systems for controlling contamination of components of mass spectrometer systems are provided herein. By reducing the transmission of contaminating ions during non-data acquisition periods, the present teachings can increase throughput, improve robustness, and/or decrease the downtime typically required to vent/disassemble/clean the fouled components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for atmospheric pressure chemical ionization are provided herein. In various aspects, the APCI apparatus, systems, and methods can provide an asymmetric sample spray into a vaporization chamber asymmetrically (e.g., off axis from the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber) so as to increase the interaction of the molecules in the sample spray with the vaporization chamber's sidewalls (and expose more of the molecules to the heat generated thereby), which can thereby result in improved consistency and/or efficiency of ion formation, and/or increased sensitivity relative to conventional APCI techniques.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source for the generation of ions and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry are provided herein. In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, MS-based systems and methods are provided in which the flow of desorption solvent within a sampling probe fluidly coupled to an ion source can be selectively controlled such that one or more analyte species can be desorbed from a sample substrate inserted within the sampling probe within a decreased volume of desorption solvent for subsequently delivery to the ion source. In various aspects, sensitivity can be increased due to higher desorption efficiency (e.g., due to increased desorption time) and/or decreased dilution of the desorbed analytes.

Abstract: Improvements in acoustically dispensed samples that are injected into an open port probe (OPP) are described. Apparatus and method are described that calibrate the volume dispensing determination and mechanisms in the acoustic dispenser to produce accurate and precise volumetric delivery.

Abstract: In one aspect, an ion source for use in a mass spectrometry system is disclosed, which comprises a housing, a first and a second ion probe coupled to said housing, and a first and a second emitter configured for coupling, respectively, to said first and second ion probes. The first ion probe is configured for receiving a sample at a flow rate in nanoflow regime and the second ion probe is configured for receiving a sample at a flow rate above the nanoflow regime. Each of the ion probes includes a discharge end (herein also referred to as the discharge tip) for ionizing at least one constituent of the received sample. In some embodiment, each ion probe receives the sample from a liquid chromatography (LC) column. Further, the ion probes can be interchangeably disposed within the housing.