Abstract: The instant disclosure provides a gas detection device including a chamber module, a light emitting module and an optical sensing module. The chamber module comprises a light condensing chamber, a receiving chamber and a sampling chamber connected between the light condensing chamber and the receiving chamber. The light emitting module is disposed on the light condensing chamber for generating a light. The optical sensing module is disposed in the receiving chamber. The sampling chamber comprises a first open end, a second open end corresponding to the first open end, a first surface, and a second surface corresponding to the first surface, the first and second open ends are connected to the light condensing chamber and the receiving chamber respectively, the first surface and the second surface are disposed between the first open end and the second open end, and the first surface is not parallel to the second surface.

Abstract: An environmental sensor may include a heat source that heats a metal oxide sensing material. Electrodes may be formed in the metal oxide sensing material that measure the resistance of the metal oxide sensing material to determine the concentration of various gases. The environmental sensor may include an infrared light source that emits infrared light at a given wavelength. An infrared detector and band-pass filter may be used to detect the concentration of a particular gas such as carbon dioxide. In order to reduce power consumption, a heater may act as both the heat source for the metal oxide sensing material and the infrared light source for the infrared detector. The metal oxide sensing material, heater, and infrared detector may be formed in the same enclosure. The enclosure may have an opening that is aligned with an opening in an electronic device housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for spectrometric analysis of light-emitting samples. The device comprises a particle beam source, which generates a primary particle beam directed to the sample in such a way that the primary particle beam is incident on the sample and photons are released from the sample due to the interaction between primary particle beam and sample material. Moreover, the device comprises a plurality of light-pickup elements, which are suitable for capturing the photons released from the sample, wherein the light-pickup elements capture the photons emitted in the respectively assigned solid-angle range. Furthermore, the device comprises conduction elements, which are embodied to forward captured photons to an evaluation unit, and an analysis system, which comprises a plurality of evaluation units in such a way that photons captured by each light-pickup element are analyzed spectrally.

Abstract: System and method for optical tomographic imaging optimizing analysis of time-domain data as a result of combination of lifetime multiplexing of low-cross-talk asymptotic photons with highly spatially resolved early photons. The tomographic data reconstruction employs a decay amplitude-based asymptotic approach and a matrix equation with a weight matrix that includes two different portions respectively representing time domain sensitivity functions and continuous-tomography weight matrices. System may employ a lifetime fluorescent tomography imaging system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a real-time baseline correction technique for infrared time-resolved photoluminescence are disclosed.

Abstract: A line-scan laser is directed to a sample so that a Raman-shifted light signal is emitted from the sample. An imaging spectrograph and associated camera and processor acquires the Raman-shifted light signal and processes the signal to thereby identify the composition of the sample.

Abstract: A method of making a measuring instrument, such as a gas analyser (20), comprises the steps of: selecting one or more measuring devices, such as an electrochemical cell (9) and/or an infrared gas analyser (14), from a group of measuring devices; selecting a tubular profile (5) of the appropriate length for the selected measuring devices; and mounting the selected measuring devices (9, 14) in the tubular profile (5).

Abstract: Continuous on-line thin film measurements employ a sensor having a spectrometer for interferometric measurements and a stack of single channel detectors for adsorption measurements. The stack is separated from the spectrometer, which analyzes radiation that emerges (transmitted pass or reflected from) the film, whereas the stack analyzes radiation that has passed through the film multiple times. The spectrometer is (i) positioned directly opposite the source of radiation so that it detects transmitted radiation or (ii) disposed on the same side of the film as is the source of radiation so that the spectrometer detects radiation that is specularly reflected from the film. The sensor includes a broadband radiation source emitting visible to far infrared light which propagates through a measurement cell defined by reflective surfaces exhibiting Lambertian-type scattering. The sensor is capable of measuring thin plastic films with thicknesses down to 1 micron or less.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring broken spot weld artifacts has a framework for supporting a light and a plurality of cameras for acquiring controlled images of a specimen with minimal distortion and parallax. The framework holds the specimen flat and in a reproducible position, controlling movement while imaging. The image data is received in a computer programmed with image processing software capable of isolating and measuring the artifacts. A calibration standard is used to correct for aberrations.

Abstract: Self-leveling inspection systems for use in inspecting buried pipes or other cavities are disclosed. A camera head may include an image sensor, an orientation sensing module, and an image processing module configured to adjust an image or video provided from the image sensor, based at least in part on information provided from the orientation sensor, in the camera head.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for characterizing point flaws (including pinholes and point defects) of an optical filter. A passband test is performed, including: illuminating the optical filter with passband illumination whose spectral range at least overlaps a passband of the optical filter; acquiring a passband map of the optical filter using a two-dimensional array of photodetectors while illuminating the optical filter with the passband illumination; and identifying point defects of the optical filter as low intensity locations of the passband map. A stopband test is performed, including: illuminating the optical filter with stopband illumination whose spectral range lies entirely outside of the passband of the optical filter; acquiring a stopband map of the optical filter using the two-dimensional array of photodetectors while illuminating the optical filter with the stopband illumination; and identifying pinholes of the optical filter as high intensity locations of the stopband map.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided for use in managing optical measurements on target structures. The control system comprises: data input utility for receiving input data indicative of a size of a target structure to be measured and input data indicative of illumination and collection channels of an optical measurement system; data processing utility for analyzing the input data, and an interplay of Point Spread Functions (PSFs) of the illumination and collection channels, and determining data indicative of optional tailoring of apertures to be used in the optical measurement system for optimizing ensquared energy for measurements on the given target structure, the optimal tailoring composing at least one of the following: an optimal ratio between numerical apertures of the illumination and collection channels; and an optimal orientation offset of physical apertures in the illumination and collection channels.

Abstract: A line scan wafer inspection system includes a confocal slit aperture filter to remove sidelobes and enhance resolution in the scanning direction. A position detector associated with the slit aperture filter monitors and corrects illumination line image positions relative to the slit aperture to keep image position variations within tolerable limits. Each detector measures a line position and then uses the line position signal to adjust optical, mechanical, and electronic components in the collection path in a feedback loop. The feedback loop may be employed in a runtime calibration process or during inspection to enhance stability.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is provided for inspecting a seal of an item. The measuring apparatus includes a radiation source for providing radiation for illuminating the seal of the item, a detector for receiving radiation from the item for generating a corresponding detected signal, and a processing arrangement for processing the detected signal to generate an output signal indicative of a state of the seal. The radiation source is arranged to focus the radiation into a plurality of focal points at the seal of the item, wherein the focal points are mutually spatially spaced apart. Moreover, the detector is arranged to image one or more of the focal points and to be selectively sensitive to an intensity of radiation received from the one or more focal points to generate a detected signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is monitoring device of monitoring a state of a substrate processing process in a substrate processing apparatus. The monitoring device includes: an imaging unit configured to image a processing state of the substrate processing process; a storage unit; a storage control unit configured to store a moving picture imaged by the imaging unit after adding a time stamp to the moving picture; a group classification unit configured to group a plurality of moving pictures stored in the storage unit into moving pictures of a normal group and moving pictures of a group other than the normal group; and a threshold generation unit configured to generate a threshold for detecting an abnormal moving picture based on the moving pictures of the normal group grouped by the group classification unit.

Abstract: An optical scanning assembly for use in inspecting a channel is provided. The assembly includes a housing and an inspection probe that selectively advances from the housing along an axis. The probe includes a light source that directs light towards at least one side wall of the channel and a light detector that receives the light reflected from the side wall. The assembly further includes a controller in communication with the inspection probe. The controller obtains a first optical length measurement for the light reflected from the side wall when the inspection probe is in a first position along the axis within the channel, obtain a second optical length measurement for the light reflected from the side wall when the inspection probe is in a second position along the axis within the channel, and compare the first and second optical length measurements to determine variations in a geometry of the channel.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention there may be provided a system for assigning lithographic mask inspection process parameters. The system may include a search module, a decision module and a memory module. The memory module may be configured to store an expected image expected to be formed on a photoresist during a lithographic process that involves illuminating the lithographic mask. The search module may be configured to search in the expected image for printable features. The decision module may be configured to assign a first lithographic mask inspection process parameter to lithographic mask areas related to printable features and assign a second lithographic mask inspection process parameter to at least some lithographic mask areas that are not associated with printable features. The second lithographic mask inspection process parameter may differ from the first lithographic mask inspection process parameter.

Abstract: A template defect inspection method using an optical system includes emitting linearly polarized light to a template having a metal film formed on at least part of a concave-convex structure that is formed on a substrate and that has a line-and-space pattern, acquiring information on a polarization-rotated component, which is different from linearly polarized light incident on the template, of light reflected by the template in accordance with the emission thereto, converting the acquired information on the polarization-rotated component into an electrical signal, and processing the electrical signal.

Abstract: A sizing apparatus has input and output ends and a sampling window therebetween. Sizing means determines the size of each item passing through the sampling window. Singulating means arranges the items in a line and delivers them sequentially at the input end of the sizing apparatus. A lower conveyor belt extends through the sizing apparatus from the input end through the sampling window to the output end. The lower conveyor belt is translated at a speed sufficient to receive, transport, and maintain the items in sequential fashion. A flexible upper stabilizer belt is arranged above and generally in alignment with the lower conveyor belt, and is driven to match the speed of the lower conveyor belt. The upper stabilizer belt is suspended so as to engage the items incoming from said singulating means and to maintain loose contact with them until the items have passed through the sampling window.

Abstract: An on-line coating adhesion determination apparatus of a galvannealed steel sheet, includes: an X-ray tube which irradiates a galvannealed steel sheet that travels on a transportation line, with X-rays; an optical system which allows the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube to irradiate the galvannealed steel sheet as a parallel beam and be diffracted; and a detector which measures the intensity of the diffracted X-rays and is installed at a position at which the X-ray diffraction peak corresponding to a crystal lattice spacing d of 1.5 ? or higher is detected, in which an emitted beam luminance of the X-rays is 20 W/mm2 or higher, and the width-direction gain of the X-rays in the optical system is 0.15 or higher. The crystal lattice spacing d may be 1.914 ?. In addition, the energy of the incident X-rays from the X-ray tube may be lower than the excitation energy of Fe-K? fluorescence X-ray.

Abstract: A thermoanalytical sensor has a substrate, a measurement position, a temperature sensor unit, and an electrical contact pad. The temperature sensor unit senses the temperature at the measurement position. It is connected via the electrical contact pad to a metallic wire and thereby tied into an electronic circuit. The substrate is prepared with at least one measurement position, at least one temperature sensor unit and at least one electrical contact pad on a top side of the substrate. A passage in the substrate allows connection to the electrical contact pad. A metallic wire is inserted into the passage from the bottom side of the substrate and melted into a small ball on the upper end of the wire. A materially integral connection as a bonded joint between the upper end of the metallic wire and the electrical contact pad is made by applying pressure and heat to the metal ball.

Abstract: There is provided a detection device including: a detection electrode that is arranged at a position on an arrangement plane near a tubular body; a drive electrode that is arranged on the arrangement plane; and a controller configured to generate lines of electric force between the detection electrode and the drive electrode and to detect a state of the tubular body by detecting lines of electric force entering the detection electrode.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a pair of contactless electrodes for placement on a coating on a surface of a structure or within or between one or more coatings on or over the surface of the structure. The electrodes function as sensors when activated to generate a current flow through the electrodes at multiple different frequencies. The sensing device also includes contactless control circuitry co-located with or separate from the electrodes that transmits impedance data generated from the activated electrodes. The impedance data is associated with corrosion condition information of the structure and/or the one or more coatings. A data collection system and display system useable with the sensing device are also described.

Abstract: A flame sense assembly (100) includes a flame sense electrode having a sense rod (108), at least a portion of the sense rod (108) for placement in a flame area; and an electrically conductive ground screen (110) for electrical connection to ground, at least a portion of the ground screen (110) for placement in the flame area; wherein the ground screen (110) is positioned relative to the sense rod (108) to allow an electric current to pass between the sense rod (108) to the ground screen (110) in the presence of a flame.

Abstract: A method for operation of an electronic device and an electronic device are provided. The method includes determining if an object is detected at a first terminal and a second terminal among a plurality of terminals of an ear jack. If the object is detected, the impedance of the second terminal is calculated, and a type of the object is determined according to the calculated impedance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in rope condition monitoring of an elevator, in which method at least the following steps are performed: elevator suspension and/or transmission ropes are reeled and packed on a rope storage unit, and thereafter electrical resistance between a first point and a second point of elevator suspension and/or transmission ropes is measured first time, and thereafter a threshold value is determined based on the measurement, and thereafter rope is delivered into an installation site, and thereafter electrical resistance between the first point and the second point of said suspension and/or transmission ropes is measured second time, and thereafter results of said second time measurement are compared with said threshold value, and if said second time measurement meets said threshold value, predetermined actions are carried out. The invention also relates to an arrangement in rope condition monitoring of an elevator.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a three-dimensional tomograph of a vessel interior or other object using a sensor having a plurality of electrodes and active control segments that are electrically isolated from the electrodes.

Abstract: An article suitable for conducting one or more assays with an apparatus, e.g., a meter, for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid. The article contains a plurality of biosensors arranged in such a manner that each of the biosensors can be utilized before the article must be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: An auto-calibration system for diagnostic test strips is described for presenting data individually carried on each test strip readable by a diagnostic meter. The test strip meter may provide a predetermined varying resistance on one strip or a plurality of varying resistances from strip lot to strip lot.

Abstract: Methods for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample, and devices and systems used in conjunction with the same. The hematocrit value can be determined on its own, and further, it can be further used to determine a concentration of an analyte in a sample. In one exemplary embodiment of a method for determining the hematocrit value in a blood sample, a volume of blood is provided in a sample analyzing device having a working and a counter electrode. An electric potential is applied between the electrodes and an initial fill velocity of the sample into the device is calculated. The hematocrit of the blood, as well as a concentration of an analyte in view of the initial fill velocity can then be determined. Systems and devices that take advantage of the use of an initial fill velocity to determine hematocrit levels and make analyte concentration determinations are also provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for the detection and analysis of an analyte in a solution is disclosed. The electrochemical sensor has an electrically non-conductive support; a plurality of electrodes on the support, each electrode having a first surface and an opposite second surface, said first surface facing towards the support and the second surface facing away from the support. The plurality of electrodes includes a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a working electrode. The working electrode has a reagent composition containing a reagent for detecting an analyte applied directly to the second surface of the working electrode.

Abstract: A gas sensor element includes a cup-shaped solid electrolyte body having closed and open ends, a reference electrode provided on an inner surface of the solid electrolyte body, and a measurement electrode provided on an outer surface of the solid electrolyte body. The reference electrode has a detection portion located closer to the closed end than to the open end of the solid electrolyte body, a terminal portion located closer to the open end than to the closed end of the solid electrode body, and a lead portion connecting the detection and terminal portions. Moreover, the reference electrode has a first thickness in a large-thickness region and a second thickness smaller than the first thickness in a small-thickness region. The large-thickness region includes at least part of the detection portion of the reference electrode, and the small-thickness region includes at least the lead and terminal portions of the reference electrode.

Abstract: A device includes an upper metallic layer, a lower layer, and a nano sensor array positioned between the upper and lower layers to detect a presence of a gas, a chemical, or a biological object, wherein each sensor's electrical characteristic changes when encountering the gas, chemical or biological object.

Abstract: Embodiments of sensing devices include one or more integrated circuit (IC) die, a housing, and a fluid barrier material. Each IC die includes an electrode-bearing surface and a contact surface. One of the die includes an SFET with a sensing electrode proximate to the electrode-bearing surface. The same or a different die includes a reference electrode proximate to the electrode-bearing surface. The die(s) also include IC contacts at the contact surface(s), and conductive structures coupled between the SFET, the reference electrode, and the IC contacts. The housing includes a mounting surface, and housing contacts formed at the mounting surface. The IC contacts are coupled to the housing contacts. The fluid barrier material is positioned between the mounting surface and the IC die. The fluid barrier material provides a fluid barrier between the IC and housing contacts and a space that encompasses the sensing electrode and the reference electrode.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are provided to calibrate a sensor array with a plurality of sensors. The method can include sweeping a voltage of a reference electrode from a first voltage to a second voltage, where the reference electrode is in fluid communication with the sensor array. The output voltage of each of the plurality of sensors can be monitored at one or more voltages within the first and second voltages. An overall average gain of the plurality of sensors can be calculated at each of the one or more voltages. Further, an acquisition window for the sensor may can be determined. The acquisition window can include a maximum distribution of sensors that provides a maximal overall average gain at a particular reference electrode voltage.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a gas sensor device and method of fabricating a gas sensor device are provided. In one embodiment a gas sensor device includes a base substrate, an electrolyte layer disposed on the base substrate and a plurality of potentiometric sensor units electrically coupled to the base substrate. Each potentiometric sensor unit includes an electrolyte layer disposed on the base substrate, a sensing electrode comprising tungsten oxide (WO3) and platinum (Pt), a reference electrode comprising Pt, and a plurality of connectors coupled to the plurality of potentiometric sensors to connect the plurality of potentiometric sensors in series.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a gas sensor device and method of fabricating a gas sensor device are provided. In one embodiment a gas sensor device includes a base substrate, an electrolyte layer disposed on the base substrate and a plurality of potentiometric sensor units electrically coupled to the base substrate. Each potentiometric sensor unit includes an electrolyte layer disposed on the base substrate, a sensing electrode comprising tungsten oxide (WO3) and platinum (Pt), a reference electrode comprising Pt, and a plurality of connectors coupled to the plurality of potentiometric sensors to connect the plurality of potentiometric sensors in series.

Abstract: Aspects of the innovations presented herein relate to improved systems that in some embodiments perform capillary electrophoresis (CE) and CE in conjunction with electrospray ionization (ESI) as an input to a mass spectrometry system (MS). Some embodiments use a high voltage isolated CE power supply that is configured to float on the high voltage output of an ESI-MS power supply, with a protective resistance in the ESI-MS path, as well as DC/DC converter isolation and communication system isolation for the isolated CE power supply. Some embodiments additionally use a cartridge assembly integrating separation and conductive fluid capillaries with fluid cooling and protective retractable housings for the capillary end portions and for the ESI output. The protective housing may further be used with an adapter for interfacing with different MS systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.

Abstract: To form a layer separating two volumes of aqueous solution, there is used an apparatus comprising elements defining a chamber, the elements including a body of non-conductive material having formed therein at least one recess opening into the chamber, the recess containing an electrode. A pre-treatment coating of a hydrophobic fluid is applied to the body across the recess. Aqueous solution, having amphiphilic molecules added thereto, is flowed across the body to cover the recess so that aqueous solution is introduced into the recess from the chamber and a layer of the amphiphilic molecules forms across the recess separating a volume of aqueous solution introduced into the recess from the remaining volume of aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a protein and a peptide, includes: providing a capillary for isoelectric focusing; providing a capillary device for separation and analysis having the capillary and a solid-phase extraction column being unified as a single tube-like structure; providing an electrophoresis instrument having the capillary device and the mechanism regulating the pressure difference at both ends of the capillary device; introducing a sample containing a target protein or peptide into the solid-phase extraction column to let the target protein or peptide be adsorbed on the column, and filling the capillary device with a carrier ampholyte solution; starting separation by isoelectric focusing after eluting the target protein or peptide by filling the solid-phase extraction column with electrode solution or acid or base solution, or after firstly eluting the target protein or peptide with an eluting solution containing carrier ampholyte and secondly filling the solid-phase extraction column with electrode solut

Abstract: The present invention provides a field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer for selectively separating at least one kind of material from a mixture containing two or more kinds of materials. A filter included in the spectrometry comprises first—four plate-like electrodes each having a principal plane parallel to a direction from an ionizer toward a filter. The second plate-like electrode is located between the first plate-like electrode and the third plate-like electrode. The third plate-like electrode is located between the second plate-like electrode and the fourth plate-like electrode. The third and fourth plate-like electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second plate-like electrodes, respectively. An interspace is formed between two adjacent plate-like electrodes. The present invention provides a field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer having high separation ability.

Abstract: A gravimetric detector including a nanoelectronic structure including: a fixed part, at least one part suspended from the fixed part, an excitation device to vibrate the suspended part relative to the fixed part, a detector to detect variations in vibration of the suspended part, and a porous functionalization layer at least partially covering the suspended part, porosity of the functionalization layer being between 3% and 50%.

Abstract: A method and device for estimating a density value ?m indicative of a true density ? or for estimating a viscosity value ?m indicative of a true viscosity ? of a fluid is disclosed. For this, a first resonance frequency fR of a first mechanical oscillator in a reference volume and a second resonance frequency fF of a second mechanical oscillator in contact with the fluid are measured. The estimated value ?m or ?m is then derived using these resonance frequencies fR and fF. During this derivation, at least one fluid-temperature- or fluid-pressure-dependent parameter of the fluid is used. Additionally or alternatively, the first (i.e. reference) mechanical oscillator is arranged in contact with a reference fluid. Thus, fundamental errors in the derivation of the estimated value ?m or ?m are reduced and the estimated value becomes more reliable.

Abstract: A resonance inspection tool is disclosed that may be configured to assign a part to a first classification (accepted part) or a second classification (rejected part) using a cluster combination array. Such a cluster combination array may be defined from a first cluster array having a plurality of first clusters (each being of the first classification), and from a second cluster array having a plurality of second clusters (each being of the second classification). One cluster combination array presents all possible combinations of the same first cluster from the first cluster array and each second cluster from the second cluster array, where each such cluster combination includes a corresponding sort. Another cluster combination array presents all possible combinations of the same second cluster from the second cluster array and each first cluster from the first cluster array, where each such cluster combination includes a corresponding sort.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for evaluating echo signals obtained from a phased array experiment on a billet is disclosed. The computer-implemented method may comprise collecting the echo signals from a pulser/receiver unit, correlating the echo signals with a position on a longitudinal axis and a circumferential angle of the billet, computing an amplitude for each of the echo signals, displaying the amplitudes as indications in a c-scan data plot at a computer display unit, and determining the signal-to-noise ratios of indications located in a region-of-interest box relative to noise in surrounding boxes in the c-scan data plot. The computer-implemented method may further comprise classifying each indication as rejectable, reportable, or insignificant based on its amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio. The computer-implemented method may find applications in quality control evaluations in the aircraft industry.

Abstract: Processing signals acquired during guided wave testing A method of processing signals acquired during guided wave testing of an elongate member (2), such as a pipe, in which at least one guided wave (7) is generated in the elongate member, the at least one guided wave is reflected by reflectors (8) in the elongate member and reflected guided waves (9) are detected. The method comprises determining at least one reflection coefficient or a parameter for calibrating a guide wave test in dependence upon reflections from the reflectors which include at least one multiple reflection. The reflections may include a single reflection from a first reflector, a single reflection from a second reflector and a multiple reflection from the first and second reflectors.

Abstract: A system for performing gas chromatography analyzes in accordance with the present disclosure includes an analytical column and a column oven. The analytical column has an inlet portion coupled to an injector for receiving a material sample and an outlet portion coupled to a detector. The analytical column is adapted to direct the material sample from the injector to the detector. The column oven is adapted to heat the analytical column for separating constituent components of the material sample for detection by the detector.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to inserts and ion sources. In some examples, an insert can comprise a positioning guide configured to provide for visual positioning of a chromatography column under the positioning guide. In other examples, an ion source configured with an aperture to couple to a carrier tube to render the ion source non-removable from an instrument housing when the carrier tube is coupled to the ion source is described.

Abstract: The present technology provides methods for increasing sensitivity of detection and/or quantification of a negatively charged analyte, e.g., an oligonucleotide, using an analytical system that comprises liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The methods comprise passing an acidic solution through the analytical system, i.e., through a fluidic path from the mobile phase reservoir to the detector to remove or displace, at least in part, metal ions adsorbed to charged sites in the fluidic path.