Apparatus and methods of use in the mass analysis of chemical samples
AssigneeKratos Analytical Limited
InventorsRichard M. Caprioli, John S. Cottrell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A probe for supporting a sample in an ion source of a mass spectrometer comprises a target formed by a copper probe tip for a liquid sample in which the sample passes through a fine bore 18a of the tip on to the end surface of the tip where it is held as a droplet by surface tension. In order to replenish the droplet surface, capillary tubing leads from a syringe to the inlet end of the bore in the probe tip.
Claims6
Mass spectrometry apparatus for use in the continuous analysis of a sample of which the composition may, or may not, change with time, which comprises a high vacuum system;
- means for depositing a supply of the sample on a surface located within the high vacuum system, the depositing means including a vessel for containing the sample and a duct extending between the vessel and the surface, the duct including a capillary tube, and means for forcing the sample from the vessel along the duct to the surface;
- means for ionising the deposited sample in situ on the surface;
- and means for mass analysing the ions so produced.
Apparatus for use in the continuous analysis of a sample of which the composition may, or may not, change with time, which apparatus comprises a mass spectrometer including a high vacuum analyser system and a sputtering ion source, a target carrier adapted to be connected to the high vacuum analyser system so that a surface of the target carrier subject to the high vacuum within the system can form a target for said ion source, and means effective during the operation of the apparatus for conducting a flow of liquid in which the sample is carried from a location, which is at a high pressure relative to that within said system, to the said surface, which is subject to the high vacuum, the conducting means including a vessel for containing the sample and a duct extending between the vessel and the surface, the duct including a capillary tube, and means for forcing the sample from the vessel along the duct to the surface.
A method for the continuous analysis of a sample of which the composition may or may not change with time which comprises continuously forcing a supply of the sample from a vessel through a duct including a capillary tube to a surface located within a high vacuum system, ionising the deposited sample in situ on the surface, and mass analysing the ions so produced.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.