Patent ID: 7488953
Filing Date: 2009-02-10
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A multimode ionization source, comprising: (a) an electrospray ionization source for providing a charged aerosol; (b) an inner chamber having a first opening adjacent to the electrospray ionization source for receiving the charged aerosol, the inner chamber including an infixed emitter for drying the charged aerosol, a second opening and an exit situated downstream from the first opening; (c) an atmospheric pressure ionization source downstream from the electrospray ionization source and adjacent to the second opening of the inner chamber for further ionizing said charged aerosol within the inner chamber; and (d) a conduit adjacent to the exit of the inner chamber and having an orifice for receiving ions from the charged aerosol; wherein said multimode ion source is adapted so that said ions produced by said electrospray ionization source and ions produced by said atmospheric pressure ionization source exit said multimode ion source via said conduit.