Patent ID: 6175112
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A method of introducing a sample into a mass spectrometer, said method comprising the steps of:providing a liquid sample;providing a mass spectrometer, the source chamber of said mass spectrometer being maintained at subatmospheric pressure, said source chamber comprising a movable sample receptor;introducing said sample through an infusion device into said source chamber;depositing said sample directly from said infusion device onto a surface of said sample receptor, said deposited sample forming a trace on said surface, said trace being approximately 200 .mu.m or less in width;causing said surface to move so that said deposited sample is accessible to a desorption device spaced apart from said infusion capillary; anddesorbing a portion of said deposited sample from said surface of said sample receptor, using said desorption device.