Liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer and its ionization interface

Abstract

The present invention proposes a liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer constructed to present a maximized or almost maximized ion-producing efficiency of APCI, irrespective of whether positive or negative ions are produced. In an embodiment of the invention, two discharging electrodes 222, 223 for ionizing solvent gas molecules are disposed ahead of a sprayer 221 for spraying sample droplets; one electrode is disposed at the position optimal to the positive ion production, and another electrode is disposed at the position optimal to the negative ion production. In the analyzing operation, the same high voltage is applied to the discharging electrodes 222, 223 to generate corona discharge. According to whether positive or negative ions are to be produced, one of the discharging electrodes dominantly contributes to the ionization. Thus, the ion-producing efficiency is almost maximized irrespective of whether positive or negative ions are produced.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.