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US 2004/0063113 A1Published application
Method and apparatus for producing a discrete particle
AssigneeSimon Fraser University
InventorsGeorge Agnes, Xiao Feng, Michael Bogan
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AssigneeSimon Fraser University
InventorsGeorge Agnes, Xiao Feng, Michael Bogan
Estimating the term…
A method and apparatus for producing a discrete particle for subsequent analysis (such as mass spectrometry) or manipulation is disclosed. A discrete particle is generated by a particle generator. A net charge is induced onto the particle by an induction electrode. The particle is delivered to a levitation device where it is then electrodynamically levitated. If the particle is a droplet, desolvation will occur, leading to Coloumbic fissioning of the droplet into smaller droplets. The movement of the levitated droplet(s) can be manipulated by an electrode assembly. The droplet(s), and the charge thereon, can be delivered to a mass spectrometer in one aspect of the invention, providing an ion source for mass spectrometry without the detrimental space charge effects of electrospray ionization techniques. In another aspect of the invention, the levitated particle(s) may be controllably and precisely deposited onto a plate for subsequent analysis by matrix assisted laser desorption and ionization mass spectrometry.
An apparatus for producing a discrete particle for subsequent analysis or manipulation, said apparatus comprising:
An apparatus for preparing and delivering a discrete particle to a target for subsequent analysis or manipulation, said apparatus comprising:
A method for producing a discrete particle for subsequent analysis or manipulation, said method comprising:
A method for preparing and delivering a discrete particle to a target for subsequent analysis or manipulation, said method comprising:
The apparatus of claim 85 wherein said desolvation causes coloumb fissioning of said droplet into a plurality of progeny droplets, wherein each of said progeny droplets is levitated for a period of time sufficient to allow desolvation of that progeny droplet so that any analyte in that progeny droplet becomes charged, thereby contributing to the ions to be delivered to said orifice.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.