Simultaneous vaporization and ionization spectrometry source, accompanying spectrometer; method for simultaneous vaporization and ionization of sample particulate to produce analyte ions

A spectrometer comprising:

• a spectrometry analyzer;
• and
• a simultaneous vaporization and ionization spectrometry source, the source comprising:
• an electrically conductive conduit configured to receive particulate sample carried by a carrier fluid stream, the conduit comprising a discharge end having an opening configured to discharge the sample into the spectrometry analyzer;
• and
• an electrically conductive reference device positioned proximate the discharge end of the conduit at a distance therefrom sufficient to allow an electrical potential to be established between the conduit and the reference device.

A method for simultaneous vaporization and ionization of particulate sample to produce analyte ions for spectrometric analysis, comprising:

• providing a particulate sample to be spectrometrically analyzed;
• providing a first electrode;
• providing a second electrode proximate the first electrode;
• maintaining a first electrical potential at the first electrode, and a second electrical potential at the second electrode, such that an electrical potential exists there between;
• providing a carrier fluid for transporting the particulate sample to a point proximate the first and second electrodes;
• transporting the particulate sample via the carrier fluid to a point proximate to the first and second electrodes;
• causing electrical arcing between the first and second electrodes at a time when the particulate sample arrives thereat to cause at least partial vaporization and ionization of the particulate sample to produce analyte ions.

A method for simultaneous vaporization and ionization of particulate sample to produce analyte ions for spectrometric analysis, comprising:

• providing a particulate sample to be spectrometrically analyzed;
• providing a first electrode;
• providing a second electrode proximate the first electrode;
• providing a carrier fluid for transporting the particulate sample to a point proximate the first and second electrodes;
• transporting the particulate sample via the carrier fluid to a point proximate to the first and second electrodes;
• maintaining a first electrical potential at the first electrode, and a second electrical potential at the second electrode at a point above a breakdown potential there between such that the arrival of the particulate sample at the point proximate to the first electrode causes a corona discharge as a result of altering the breakdown potential, the corona discharge causing at least partial vaporization and ionization of the particulate sample to produce analyte ions.