Patent ID: 6825466
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
An apparatus for sample analysis of samples on sample plates by atmospheric pressure matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry comprising:a mass spectrometer having a vacuum chamber and an ion-sampling orifice for introduction of samples in the form of ionized products of laser desorption of said samples into said vacuum chamber of said mass spectrometer; at least one sample plate carrier that accommodates at least one sample plate with at least one sample, said at least one sample being held in said sample plate carrier in a position unexposed to the surrounding atmosphere for protecting said at least one sample from contamination when said sample plate is installed in said sample plate carrier for handling and transportation of said sample plate with said at least one sample in the atmospheric pressure environment; an ionization chamber that comprises a stationary part on said mass spectrometer and a combined moveable gripper and sample plate handling unit disconnectable and moveable away from said mass spectrometer for transportation of said sample plate and having means for taking and releasing said at least one sample plate from said sample plate carrier, means for docked interface with said ion-sampling orifice, and means for holding said at least one sample plate during introduction of said ionized products of laser desorption of said samples into said mass spectrometer.