Mass spectrometer for analyzing an analyte sample

A mass spectrometer for analyzing an analyte sample, the mass spectrometer comprising:

• a plasma ion source configured to generate a plasma;
• an interface arrangement configured to form a plasma flux from the plasma and to direct the plasma flux in a flow toward a mass analyzer, wherein the interface arrangement comprises at least one cone and at least one capillary tube,
• wherein the at least one cone includes an orifice through which the plasma flux is flowed,
• wherein the at least one capillary tube includes an inlet and an outlet and is arranged and configured to introduce the analyte sample into the plasma flux at the orifice or in a plasma expansion zone downstream of the orifice such that the analyte sample is ionized by the plasma flux and ions are thereby generated,
• wherein the outlet is in contact with the plasma flux;
• the mass analyzer, which is configured to filter and/or separate the generated ions;
• and
• a detector configured to detect the generated ions from the analyte sample.