Multiple sample sources for use with mass spectrometers, and apparatus, devices, and methods therefor

An interface apparatus for introducing at least one sample into a mass spectrometer, the interface apparatus comprising,

• a sampling inlet to the mass spectrometer;
• a boundary member at least partially defining a chamber in communication with the sampling inlet, the chamber having at least one region where field-free conditions are established;
• a first aperture defined in the boundary member through which a first source can emit a sample, the first aperture being coaxial to the sampling inlet and the sample being directed toward the sampling inlet for passage therethrough;
• and at least one other aperture defined in the chamber through which at least one other source can introduce at least one of the sample or another sample into the chamber;
• and further a gas entrance for introducing a gas into the chamber, wherein a gas flow stream is established in which the gas flow stream flows partially toward the first aperture defined in the boundary member and partially toward the sampling inlet, whereby at least one of the sample or another sample from the at least one other aperture defined in the chamber is directed to the sampling inlet by the gas flow stream.