Abstract: The present invention relates to the high resolution imaging of samples using imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) and to the imaging of biological samples by imaging mass cytometry (IMC™) in which labelling atoms are detected by IMS. LA-ICP-MS (a form of IMS in which the sample is ablated by a laser, the ablated material is then ionised in an inductively coupled plasma before the ions are detected by mass spectrometry) has been used for analysis of various substances, such as mineral analysis of geological samples, analysis of archaeological samples, and imaging of biological substances. However, traditional LA-ICP-MS systems and methods may not provide high resolution. Described herein are methods and systems for high resolution IMS and IMC.

Abstract: A solid phase microextraction device is disclosed, including a substrate having a planar surface and a sorbent layer disposed on the planar surface. The planar surface is defined by a base edge, a spray edge disposed distal across the substrate from the base edge, the spray edge including a tapering tip extending away from the base edge, a first lateral edge extending from the base edge to the tapering tip, and a second lateral edge extending from the base edge to the tapering tip, the second lateral edge being disposed distal across the substrate from the first lateral edge. The sorbent layer extends a sampling length from the spray edge toward the base edge and includes sorbent particles. A method for forming the solid phase microextraction device is disclosed, including applying the sorbent layer on the planar surface utilizing at least one of screen printing, stencil printing, or additive manufacturing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for monitoring bioaerosols, including a capturer configured to capture bioaerosol particles in air in a capture solution; a particle sprayer configured to electro-spray the capture solution in a form of droplets such that the particles are included in at least some of the sprayed droplets; and an analyzer configured to analyze the particles, sprayed through the particle sprayer, by machine learning. In accordance with such a configuration, the droplets containing a certain amount of the particles can be continuously analyzed in real time by machine learning, thereby contributing to the improvement of monitoring efficiency for a specific bioaerosol genus.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for a mass analyzer includes an ion source device and a dual-purpose electron beam generating unit. The ion source device ionizes an analyte of a sample, producing analyte ions. The dual-purpose electron beam generating unit is positioned between the ion source device and the mass analyzer. In a first mode, the dual-purpose electron beam generating unit is used to create fragments of analyte ions of unknown mass-to-charge ratio. In a second mode, the dual-purpose electron beam generating unit is used to create ions of calibration compounds of known mass-to-charge ratio. All ions are subsequently transferred to the mass analyzer.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer according to an aspect of the present invention includes, to optimize N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) parameters that affect ionization efficiency in an ion source (31), a measurement controller (41) that causes respective units to repeatedly execute measurement on a sample containing a target component while changing values of the N parameters or a value set of M (where M is an integer smaller than N) parameters, in a plurality of stages, and a parameter determiner (53) that sequentially finds an optimum value for each parameter based on a result of the measurement executed under control of the measurement controller (41). At least one parameter whose physical quantity is temperature is optimized prior to all of the parameters whose physical quantities are other than temperature.

Abstract: Devices and methods for mass spectroscopic analysis of particles are disclosed herein. An example device includes: a first irradiation unit configured to irradiate a particle with electromagnetic radiation to cause components of the particle to detach from the particle. The example device further includes a second irradiation unit configured to irradiate substantially simultaneously i) at least a part of the detached components, and optionally a residual core of the particle, with a first beam of electromagnetic radiation the first beam of electromagnetic radiation exhibiting a first intensity, and ii) at least a part of the residual core, of the particle with a second beam of electromagnetic radiation. The second beam of electromagnetic radiation exhibiting a second intensity, which is preferably larger than the first intensity. The example device further includes a mass spectrometer comprising an ion source region, a first detection channel, and optionally a second detection channel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for pretreatment of a conducting sampling substrate which enable an electrostatic charge to be used to transfer analyte molecules onto a sampling substrate, where the analyte molecules are in powder or particulate form. In an embodiment of the present invention, the electrostatic charge can be used to transfer powder samples containing nitrogenous bases, nucleosides, food additives, and prescription drugs such as acetaminophen, oxycodone, and dextromethorphan. In an embodiment of the present invention, a powder sample is transferred to a pre-treated sampling substrate using an electrostatic charge. The spatial distribution of the powder on the original surface is retained on the pre-treated sampling substrate using the electrostatic charge transfer. The electrostatic charge transfer can be used to transfer powder samples present on a surface or in the chambers of 96, 384 and 1536 well plate formats to either pins or mesh and analyzed with ambient desorption ionization.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to enclosed desorption electrospray ionization probes, systems, and methods. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a source of DESI-active spray, in which a distal portion of the source is enclosed within a transfer member such that the DESI-active spray is produced within the transfer member.

Abstract: A drilling rig system and a method for generating electricity with a magnetic drill pipe. The drilling rig has a rig floor, a derrick extending upwards from the rig floor, and a drive mechanism. A stator is fixed in position relative to the rig floor. At least one section of magnetic drill pipe extends through the stator. The drive mechanism is coupled and rotates the magnetic drill pipe. An electrical storage device is electrically coupled to the stator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for automatically adjusting the composition of a spray chamber matrix gas flow coordinated with an analysis of a particular chemical element or groups of elements. A system can include a spray chamber configured to be coupled to an analytical system, the spray chamber having a nebulizer gas port configured to receive a nebulizer gas; and an inlet for receiving a gas from at least one gas source. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the spray chamber, the controller configured to adjust a gas flow rate of the gas from the at least one gas source in coordination with analysis of a particular chemical element by the analytical system.

Abstract: Aerogel can be coated with a polymerizable resin, which cures to form a polymer-coated aerogel. The coated aerogels can be used structural or thermal insulating component, such as in analytical and scientific devices. Coated aerogels can be further coated with conductive material, a semi-conductive material, a non-conductive material, a resistive material, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for sampling a sample material includes a device for directing sample into a capture probe. The device for supplying sample material to the probe can be a device for radiating energy to the sample material to eject sample from the sample material. A probe includes an outer probe housing having an open end. A liquid supply conduit has an outlet positioned to deliver liquid to the open end. An exhaust conduit removes liquid from the open end of the housing. The liquid supply conduit can be connectable to a liquid supply for delivering liquid at a first volumetric flow rate to the open end of the housing. A liquid exhaust system can be in fluid connection with the liquid exhaust conduit for removing liquid from the liquid exhaust conduit at a second volumetric flow rate such that gas with sample is withdrawn with the liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radio-frequency plasma generating system including a radio-frequency generator and a plasma source, the radio-frequency generator being inductively or capacitively coupled to the plasma source through a resonant electric circuit, the radio-frequency generator being adapted to receive direct current power from a direct current power supply and for generating radio-frequency power at a frequency f, the radio-frequency power including a reactive radio-frequency power oscillating in the resonant electric circuit and an active radio-frequency power absorbed by the plasma. The radio-frequency plasma generating system includes a unit for measuring an efficiency of conversion E of direct-current power to active radio-frequency power absorbed by the plasma and a unit for adjusting the frequency f as a function of the measured efficiency of conversion E to maintain the efficiency of conversion E in a predetermined range within a RF plasma operational range.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for optimizing performance of a mass spectrometer comprises using an ion source to generate ions, collisionally cooling the ions within an ion guide, directing said ions from the ion guide through at least one ion lens to a downstream mass analyzer, ramping a DC voltage applied to the ion lens, performing a mass analysis of the ions within the mass analyzer while the DC voltage applied to the ion lens is ramped, estimating performance of the mass spectrometer by measuring one or more characteristics of at least one of an ion signal and the voltage ramp, and adjusting a DC voltage applied to said at least one lens element based on said measured one or more characteristics of at least one of the ion signal and the voltage ramp so as to enhance performance of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An exemplary breath analysis system may include a sampling chamber having a molecule collector disposed therein. The molecule collector may be configured such that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in a breath sample introduced to the sampling chamber adhere to the molecule collector. A laser may be configured to ablate at least a portion of the VOCs adhered to the molecule collector off of the molecule collector to release of at least the portion of the VOCs adhered to the molecule collector. An analysis device (e.g., a mass spectrometer or Terahertz (THz) spectrometer) may identify one or more target VOCs from among at least the portion of the VOCs released from the molecule collector and generate an output representative of the identified target VOC(s). The output may include information that quantitates a concentration of the target VOC(s) with respect to a source of the breath sample.

Abstract: An exemplary breath analysis system may include a sampling chamber having a molecule collector disposed therein. The molecule collector may be configured such that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in a breath sample introduced to the sampling chamber adhere to the molecule collector. A photodiode array configured to excite and/or heat the molecule collector to release at least a portion of the VOCs from the molecule collector to release at least the portion of the VOCs adhered to the molecule collector. An analysis device (e.g., a mass spectrometer or Terahertz (THz) spectrometer) may identify one or more target VOCs from among at least the portion of the VOCs released from the molecule collector and generate an output representative of the identified target VOC(s). The output may include information that quantitates a concentration of the target VOC(s) with respect to a source of the breath sample.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a sample dispenser including an internal standard and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: After performing an analysis on a standard sample for a predetermined time, a plurality of ion optical elements such as an ion guide are sequentially selected one by one, and a direct-current voltage having a polarity different from that at the time of analysis is temporarily applied. Meanwhile, intensity data of ions having a specific m/z are continuously collected. After thus collecting the data, the ratio of the ion intensities before and after application of direct-current voltages having different polarities is calculated for each ion optical element, and it is determined whether or not the ratio is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An air cooled inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) is disclosed. The interface structure has a configuration that it can rapidly transfer heat away from the front surface of the interface that is exposed to a high temperature plasma, while maintaining heat in the ion beam to avoid recombination and clustering. The air cooled interface of the present system comprises of a set of fins for rapid heat transfer, which may be placed along the sides of the ICP-MS systems in a variety of orientations. Open-cell metal foam is also used to increase heat transfer efficiency. The system may be cooled by natural convention or forced convection using one or more air fans.

Abstract: An orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometer (1) includes: an ion ejector (123) which ejects measurement-target ions in a predetermined direction; an orthogonal accelerator (132) which accelerates ions in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the ions are ejected; a ring electrode (131) located between the ion ejector and the orthogonal accelerator, the ring electrode having an opening for allowing ions to pass through and arranged so that the central axis (C2) of the opening is shifted from the central axis (C1) of the ion ejector in a direction along the axis of the acceleration of the ions by the orthogonal accelerator; a reflectron electrode (134) which creates a repelling electric field for reversing the direction of the ions accelerated by the orthogonal accelerator; and an ion detector (135) which detects ions after the direction of flight of the ions is reversed by the reflectron electrode.

Abstract: An electrospray ionization emitter according to various aspects described herein can include an emitter body formed using fused silica. The emitter body can comprise a fluid conduit segment that includes a liquid connection end that has been coated with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) on at least one portion thereof. The liquid connection end can have a first outer diameter that is configured to be connected to a sample source to receive a sample liquid for ionization therefrom. The emitter body can further comprise an ionization discharge segment that is fluidly connected to the fluid conduit segment. The ionization discharge segment can have an ionization discharge end that is coated with a conductive material on at least one portion thereof and configured to have a second outer diameter that allows ionization of the liquid sample.

Abstract: An exemplary breath analysis system disposed in a portable housing may include a sampling chamber having a molecule collector disposed therein. The molecule collector may be configured such that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in a breath sample introduced to the sampling chamber adhere to the molecule collector. A heating element may introduce heat within the sampling chamber, causing release of at least a portion of the VOCs adhered to the molecule collector. An analysis device disposed in the portable housing (e.g., a mass spectrometer or Terahertz (THz) spectrometer) may identify one or more target VOCs from among at least the portion of the VOCs released from the molecule collector and generate an output representative of the identified one or more target VOCs. The output may include information that quantitates a concentration of the one or more target VOCs with respect to a source of the breath sample.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a laser ablation system can include a laser ablation cell and at least a pair of particle-collection-to-transport-tubing interfaces. The laser ablation cell can be configured for ablating a sample or another material, and the laser ablation cell can include a laser unit. The at least a pair of particle-collection-to-transport-tubing interfaces can be configured to gather an ablated sample and direct the ablated sample to an analysis unit. A selected particle-collection-to-transport-tubing interface can be received by the laser ablation cell directly above the laser unit. The at least a pair of particle-collection-to-transport-tubing interfaces can be configured to be interchangeable with one another.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an amphibious submersible vehicle for use in non-destructive testing of pipe interiors and walls are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the vehicle is operable for amphibious submersible operation such that pipes of various diameters can be inspected under full, partially full, and dry conditions. In another aspect, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of propellers for travel when fully or partially submerged in water and a plurality of wheels for traveling when in contact with a pipe wall or for traveling over debris. In some embodiments, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of sensors configured for imaging and navigation which enable the vehicle for pipe inspection and identification of problem areas.

Abstract: To provide: an atomizer that allows a sample liquid to be made into minute droplets stably and that inhibits clogging of an aerosol gas outlet by salting out or the like when atomizing a sample containing a high density matrix; a sample introduction unit that includes the atomizer; and an analysis device. An atomizer includes: a liquid supply tube that has a first channel in which a liquid can circulate and that has, on one end, an outlet to spray the liquid; and a gas supply tube that encloses the liquid supply tube with a gap therebetween, that has a second channel in which a gas can circulate, and that has, on one end, an outlet to spray the gas. The second channel is defined by the outer circumferential face of the liquid supply tube and the inner circumferential face of the gas supply tube and has a narrow portion upstream of the outlet.

Abstract: Methods are described for measuring the amount of a vitamin B2 in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying vitamin B2 in a sample utilizing on-line extraction methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to the quantitative measurement of steroidal compounds by mass spectrometry. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for quantitative measurement of steroidal compounds from multiple samples by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer 1, which is for generating a product ion from a precursor ion derived from a sample component having a hydrocarbon chain to analyze a mass, includes a reaction chamber 2 into which the precursor ion is introduced, radical generating units 51, 52, and 53 that generate a radical having an oxidizing ability or/and a radical other than a hydrogen radical having a reducing ability, a radical irradiation unit 54 that irradiates the inside of the reaction chamber 2 with the generated radical, a separation detection unit 3 that separates and detects the product ion generated from the precursor ion by a reaction with the radical according to a mass-to-charge ratio, and a structure estimation unit 14 that estimates the structure of the sample component based on the mass-to-charge ratio of the detected product ions and the information on the structure or the structure candidate.

Abstract: An evaluation section identifies, in a list of candidate compounds, a group of candidate compounds having the degree of reverse similarity greater than or equal to a threshold s1. When all candidates in the group of candidate compounds have differences between the degrees of similarity that are greater than or equal to a threshold s2, the evaluation section judges that there is a composite state. The difference between the degrees of similarity is computed by subtracting the degree of forward similarity from the degree of reverse similarity. The similarity ratio may be used in place of the difference between the degrees of similarity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system of preconcentrating analytes in a solution within an emitter for ionization mass spectrometry and analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass spectrometer for analysing a gas by mass spectrometry, comprising: a controllable inlet system for pulsed feeding of the gas to be analysed from a process region outside the mass spectrometer into an ionisation region, an ionisation device for ionising the gas to be analysed in the ionisation region, an ion transfer device for transferring the ionised gas from a ionisation region via an ion transfer region into an analysis region, and an analyser for detecting the ionised gas in the analysis region. The invention further relates to an associated method for mass spectrometrically analysing a gas.

Abstract: An electrostatic oiling system for use with single blanks in batch systems having an open spray chamber without the need for a negative vacuum chamber. Further, the provided electrostatic oiling system may utilize induction beams and a charge wall that allows for utilization of a smaller vacuum system. Further, the provided electrostatic oiling system may provide variable blank coverage without the need for metered pumps.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: performing a plurality of cycles of operation during a single experimental run, wherein each cycle comprises: mass selectively transmitting precursor ions of a single mass, or range of masses, through or out of a mass separator or mass filter at any given time, wherein the mass separator or mass filter is operated such that the single mass or range of masses transmitted therefrom is varied with time; and mass analysing ions.

Abstract: An ion trap (100) includes a first electrode pair (110) and a second electrode pair (130), each including a first conductive member (112) and a second conductive member (120) and facing each other so that the first conductive member (112) of the first electrode pair (110) is on a common plane with the second conductive member (120) of the second electrode pair (130) and so that the second conductive member (120) of the first electrode pair (110) is on a common plane with the first conductive member (112) of the second electrode pair (130), a gap (132) therebetween. A signal generator (210) generates a periodic signal (212) applied to the first conductive members (112). A phase shifter (216) generates a second periodic signal (218) that is 180 out of phase therewith applied to the second conductive members (120). Ions are trapped by a resulting electric field.

Abstract: A method of analysis using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed. The method comprises: using a first device to generate smoke, aerosol or vapour from a target comprising or consisting of a microbial population; mass analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said smoke, aerosol or vapour, or ions derived therefrom, in order to obtain spectrometric data; and analysing said spectrometric data in order to analyse said microbial population.

Abstract: The invention relates to the quantitative measurement of steroidal compounds by mass spectrometry. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for quantitative measurement of steroidal compounds from multiple samples by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present disclosure discusses a method of separating a sample (e.g., small organic acid metabolite) including coating a flow path of a chromatographic system. The coating along the flow path is vapor deposited and prevents or severely decreases metal interactions between the metallic chromatographic system and the sample.

Abstract: A sample support body is a sample support body for ionizing a sample, including: a substrate having an irregular porous structure formed to communicate a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; and a conductive layer provided at least on the first surface.

Abstract: A method of ionising a sample is disclosed comprising nebulising a sample which includes first biomolecules such as bovine insulin comprising one or more disulphide (S—S) bonds. A stream of droplet or charged droplets comprising one or more disulphide (S—S) bonds is directed so as to impact upon a target (106) or electrode so as to cause the breaking of a portion of the disulphide bonds. Alternatively, charged droplets may pass through an electric field region determined by an electrode (106) arranged downstream of a nebuliser or electrospray probe and an ion inlet (104) of a mass spectrometer so as to cause the breaking of a portion of the disulphide bonds.

Abstract: A smoke alarm may include at least one sensor head including a miniature mass spectrometer; a microcontroller unit configured to receive data from each of the at least one sensor head; and at least one of a photoelectric detector, or ionization detector. Further, the smoke alarm may be capable of determining categories of smoke and delivering discrete alerts accordingly.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems including nanoelectrospray ionization emitters in a movable array format in which the emitters can be loaded, singly or simultaneously, through their narrow ends using a novel dip and go method based on capillary action, taking up sample from an array. The sample solutions in each emitter can be electrophoretically cleaned, singly or simultaneously, by creating an inductive electric field that moves interfering ions away from the narrow end of the capillary. Subsequent to cleaning, the emitters are supplied with an inductive electric field that causes electrospray into a mass spectrometer allowing mass analysis of the contents of the emitter.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis using swabs. In certain aspects, the invention provides systems that include a probe having a conductive proximal portion coupled to a porous material at a distal portion of the probe that is configured to retain a portion of a sample that has contacted the porous material, and a mass spectrometer having an inlet. The system is configured such that the porous material at a distal portion of the probe is aligned over the inlet of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for introducing into a probe 22 an eluate eluted from a component separation unit 14 that temporally separates components contained in a liquid sample, for obtaining charged particles, and for delivering the charged particles to a charged particle analysis unit 30 provided at a subsequent stage through a charged particle introduction opening 23, comprising steps of: supplying a gasification promoting gas for promoting gasification of the eluate and applying a predetermined charged-particle obtaining voltage to the probe 22 while the eluate is being introduced into the probe 22; and hindering the eluate nebulized by the probe 22 from moving toward the ion introduction opening 2 only in a time period other than a time period in which a target-component containing eluate is introduced into the probe 22.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments directed to a multi-ion identification device, a system and method using the same to utilize chemical ionization in multiple adduct formation from the substances in the sampled gas of a gas sample being addressed to be analyzed in a mass analyzer. The multi-ion identification device includes a buffering region to have the sample flow turbulence decayed before the sample flow entrance to the ionization region)) utilizing chemical ionization by reagents from an ensemble of reagent ion towers.

Abstract: Certain configurations of plasma discharge chambers and plasma ionization sources comprising a plasma discharge chamber are described. In some examples, the discharge chamber comprises a conductive area and is configured to sustain a plasma discharge within the discharge chamber. In other examples, the discharge chamber comprises at least one inlet configured to receive a plasma gas and at least one outlet configured to provide ionized analyte from the discharge chamber. Systems and methods using the discharge chambers are also described.

Abstract: A method of producing ions from a sample is disclosed. The method comprises directing a spray of droplets onto a sample, and causing droplets comprising analyte from the sample to impact upon a surface so as to generate analyte ions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lattice substrate adapted for use in direct ionization mass spectrometry. The substrate may have a plurality of tessellated unit cells forming an integral structure. Each tessellated unit cell may have a dimension of no more than about 1.5 mm and may include a plurality of pores arranged in an ordered pattern. The substrate may further include a form factor suitable for use with a direct ionization mass spectrometry system.

Abstract: Certain configurations of an ionization source comprising a multipolar rod assembly are described. In some examples, the multipolar rod assembly can be configured to provide a magnetic field and a radio frequency field into an ion volume formed by a substantially parallel arrangement of rods of the multipolar rod assembly. The ionization source may also comprise an electron source configured to provide electrons into the ion volume of the multipolar rod assembly to ionize analyte introduced into the ion volume. Systems and methods using the ionization source are also described.

Abstract: A method of performing tandem mass spectrometry includes supplying a sample to a chromatography column, directing components included in the sample and eluting from the chromatography column to a mass spectrometer, acquiring a series of mass spectra including intensity values of ions produced from the components as a function of m/z of the ions, extracting, from the series of mass spectra, a plurality of detection points representing intensity as a function of time for a selected m/z, estimating, based on the plurality of detection points extracted from the series of mass spectra, a relative position of a selected detection point included in the plurality of detection points, and performing, at the mass spectrometer and based on the estimated relative position, a dependent acquisition for the selected m/z. The relative position of the selected detection point represents a position of the selected detection point relative to an expected reference point.

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.