Patent ID: 7858387
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: B01L,G01N,H01J,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of scanning a sample plate surface mask in an area adjacent to a conductive surface using mass spectrometry comprising the steps of: providing a sample plate including an electrically conductive surface, said sample plate having an electrically conductive coating; applying a mask to the electrically conductive surface to produce a non-homogenous sample site characterized by a coarse and uneven surface quality that is lacking uniform surface intensity comprising a central portion formed from the electrically conductive surface and an area of the mask adjacent to the electrically conductive surface; wherein the course and uneven surface quality is produced by roughening a surface of the mask to be rougher than the electrically conductive surface, wherein the surface of the mask lacks uniform surface intensity and thickness, and wherein the roughening step is performed after the step of applying the mask to the electrically conductive surface; adulterating said surface with a marking agent; preparing a specimen comprising contacting at least one analyte with at least one matrix; applying the specimen to the non-homogenous sample site; forming at least one crystal of analyte in an area on the mask adjacent to the conductive surface; and irradiating at least one crystal by scanning the area on the mask in a pattern adjacent to the conductive area with a laser beam.