Patent ID: 7368728
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. Atmospheric-pressure ionization source device, adapted for atmospheric-pressure ionizing analytes in liquid phase, to be further analyzed by mass spectrometry, comprising (a) an inlet assembly, in which the analytes in liquid phase are injected, nebulized and vaporized by heating; and (b) an atmospheric-pressure ionization chamber with which said inlet assembly is in fluid communication, said ionization chamber being provided with an outlet orifice for communicating between said ionization chamber and an analyzer or filter of a mass spectrometer, wherein said atmospheric-pressure ionization chamber comprises a plate having at least one active surface which faces internal apertures of said inlet assembly and onto which the vaporized molecules of the analytes bump and are ionized, said active surface being charge polarized wherein said plate is inclined at an angle which allows the ionized analyte to be reflected towards the analyzer of the mass spectrometer.