Patent ID: 6680477
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: H01J,Y10T

Abstract:
A system for matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) comprising:a. a coherent light source to generate light; b. at least one confocal microscopic objective to create a desorption/ionization source at the surface of a MALDI sample plate adapted to receive a biological sample substrate within the focal working distance of the microscopic objective; c. at least one fiber optic cable to transport the light to said at least one confocal microscopic objective; d. at least one collimating fiber optic coupler to collimate the light to an aperture of said at least one fiber optic cable; e. an insulating microscopic objective holder to hold said at least one confocal microscopic objective and insulate said at least one confocal microscopic objective from the electrical fields of the MALDI; f. at least one adapter to secure the said objective holder; g. at least one X, Y positioner to move said confocal microscopic objective in X and Y co-ordinates; h. a Z positioner to move said confocal microscopic objective in the Z co-ordinate; and i. a mass analyzer to analyze said sample substrate.