Patent ID: 9711338
Date: 2017-07-18
CPC Classifications: H01J

Claim:
1. A system for directing a sample to a mass spectrometer comprising: a sample source for generating an electrically neutral sample plume having a zero net velocity that is less than 1 cm/s, a venturi chamber in fluid communication with a sampling orifice of said mass spectrometer, said venturi chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, said sample source being positioned relative to said inlet port of the venturi chamber so as to deposit the sample plume in proximity of said inlet port of the venturi chamber, and a gas source arranged to generate a gas flow in a direction so as to pass in proximity of said outlet port of the venturi chamber so as to cause a lowering of pressure within the venturi chamber, thereby drawing at least a portion of the sample plume through said inlet port into the venturi chamber such that at least a portion of the sample plume drawn into the chamber enters said sampling orifice.