Patent ID: 6140639
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A system for on-line coupling of a liquid capillary separation system to a matrix source to perform matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization comprising:a. a first fluid conduit fluidly connected to the liquid capillary separation system;b. a second fluid conduit fluidly connected to the matrix source, said first and second fluid conduits fluidly intersecting proximally into a third common fluid conduit where analyte from the liquid capillary separation system and matrix from the matrix source mix to form an analyte/matrix sample, said third common fluid conduit having an open distal end terminating at a sample surface on which said analyte/matrix sample is evaporated to form analyte/matrix crystals; andc. an irradiation source positioned to deliver a sequence of bursts of laser energy to said sample surface at a lower energy level to desorb and ionize at least some of the analyte/matrix crystals and at a higher energy level to remove any residual analyte/matrix crystals from the sample surface, thereby providing for a continuous flow and sampling of the analyte through the system for purposes of mass spectrometry.