Vortex flow atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source for mass spectrometry

An ion source for use in mass spectrometry, comprising:

• (a) a vaporizing chamber having a central axis;
• (b) a sample conduit including a sample outlet communicating with the chamber;
• (c) a nebulizing gas conduit including a nebulizing gas outlet communicating with the chamber, wherein a length of the nebulizing gas conduit is generally coaxially disposed about a length of the sample conduit;
• and
• (d) a vaporizing gas conduit directed generally in a helical path about the sample conduit and along an axial length of the sample conduit, the vaporizing gas conduit including a vaporizing gas outlet communicating with the chamber, wherein the vaporizing gas conduit defines a flow path directed into the chamber and including a velocity component tangential with respect to the central axis.

An ion source for use in mass spectrometry, comprising:

• (a) a vaporization chamber having a central axis;
• (b) a sample conduit including a sample outlet communicating with the vaporization chamber;
• (c) an ionization section disposed in flow communication with the vaporization chamber;
• (d) a vortex-forming section disposed upstream from the vaporization chamber and comprising an arcuate gas conduit, the arcuate gas conduit including a gas outlet communicating with the vaporization chamber, wherein the arcuate gas conduit defines a flow path directed into the vaporization chamber and including a velocity component tangential with respect to the central axis.

A method for vaporizing a sample in preparation for mass spectrometry, comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a chamber defined by a wall radially disposed in relation to a central axis of the chamber, wherein the chamber has an input end and an output end axially spaced from the input end;
• (b) flowing a sample into the chamber at the input end;
• (c) heating the wall to vaporize the sample;
• (d) flowing a vaporizing gas tangentially into the chamber to entrain the sample in a vortex gas flow and force the sample to flow toward the heated wall, whereby vaporization of the sample is enhanced;
• and
• (e) flowing the vaporized sample out from the chamber through the output end.