Abstract:
This invention provides for the efficient positioning of a sample to be analyzed by using either magnetic or electro-mechanical fields to retain the sample in the ionization region. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sample is contacted with a sampler device, which is inserted into a chamber and accurately positioned using electro-mechanical devices. In an embodiment of the invention, the influence of an electro-mechanical field on the sampler device enables the sample to be positioned in the ionization region to be contacted by particles that result in ionization of the sample whereby rendering the resulting ions available for analysis.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/476,380 entitled: “ROBUST, RAPID, SECURE SAMPLE MANIPULATION BEFORE DURING AND AFTER IONIZATION FOR A SPECTROSCOPY SYSTEM”, inventor: Brian D. Musselman, and filed Apr. 18, 2011. This application is herein expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention permits desorption ionization of powders, plant materials, and loose substances by securing the position of these materials which are otherwise easily displaced during sample handling and analysis. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Ambient pressure desorption ionization sources, such as direct analysis in real time (DART®) and desorption electrospray ionization, enable detection of chemicals present as or embedded in a solid object or condensed on surfaces. Examples of sources include: using a flowing heated gas containing metastable atoms or molecules in DART, using a flowing gas containing ions and metastable atoms or molecules in Flowing Atmospheric Pressure Afterglow (FAPA), and using a flowing high pressure mixture of gas and solvent droplets in desorption electrospray ionization (DESI). 
     A common occurrence in Homeland Security associated ‘security alerts’ is the report describing the presence of a “white powder”. Identification of such materials requires a determination of composition. Enabling direct determination of composition without the requirement for dissolving the material facilitates reduced sample handling and thus affords greater protection to the humans undertaking the analysis as well as reduced time for analysis. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, metal powders are used to disperse and retain samples for analysis. In an embodiment of the invention, a device for ionizing a sample comprises a sampler device for maintaining or constraining the position of the sample relative to the flowing gases and liquids exiting an ionization source. The device further includes a chamber or open region where the sample can be positioned and an entrance into a spectroscopy system where analysis occurs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This invention is described with respect to specific embodiments thereof. Additional features can be appreciated from the Figures in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram of a prior art sample device; 
         FIG. 2  shows a schematic diagram of a magnetically enabled sampling device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a schematic diagram of the mixing chamber for sample preparation according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a schematic diagram of sample loading using a magnetically enabled sampling device as shown in the mixing chamber for sample preparation as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a schematic diagram of the photograph shown in  FIG. 6  where sample loading using a magnetically enabled sampling device locates sample on three sites on a surface for analysis according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a photograph of sample loading which is using a magnetically enabled sampling device to locate a sample on three sites on a surface for analysis according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a schematic diagram of an off axis system of analysis enabled with a spectroscopy system as shown in the photograph of  FIG. 11  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a schematic diagram of the sampling device used to position a sample in a spectroscopy system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows a schematic diagram of the sampling device used to position multiple samples in a spectroscopy system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a line drawing of an off axis system of analysis enabled with a spectroscopy system as shown in  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIG. 11  shows a photograph of the off axis system of analysis device enabled with a spectroscopy system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The development of efficient desorption ionization sources for use with spectroscopy systems has enabled rapid analysis of samples without requiring laborious sample preparation. These desorption ionization sources require that the sample be positioned in a small region at the exit of the source to permit interaction of the ionizing gases with the sample for analysis. 
     Atmospheric pressure desorption ionization sources such as direct analysis real time (DART®) and desorption electrospray ionization function well for the ionization of solids and samples adsorbed onto surfaces because they can be fixed in position and not displaced by the action of the flowing gases and solvents. Once formed the ions can, for example, be introduced into a mass spectrometer for mass analysis. However, in the case of chemicals present in powder form, the direct desorption ionization analysis can become problematic due to displacement of the powder by the action of the flowing gases and liquids utilized in the experiment. Without retention of the sample in the desorption ionization region, analysis of these compounds is either compromised and/or results in contamination of the spectroscopy system as the desorbed chemicals contaminate surfaces and entrances to the spectroscopy system. 
     Thus, for loose powders the utility of the desorption ionization technology is reduced since powders and other light weight or loose samples often cannot be anchored without altering their chemical state (e.g., making into a solution). In an embodiment of the present invention, a simple method to retain powder type samples for surface desorption ionization at atmospheric pressure with increased certainty, involves the co-mixing and thereby the dispersal of a heavy weight powder with the sample powder prior to analysis in order to secure the powder in position. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heavy weight powder can be a metal powder. In an embodiment of the invention, the sample with the metal powder dispersed and therefore coating the sample can be maintained in its position by the weight of the metal powder. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the sample with the metal powder dispersed and thereby coating the sample can be maintained in its position by a magnetic field used to fix the metal in position for analysis. In an embodiment of the present invention, a device provides the means for positioning of a sample powder in a desorption ionization region. 
     In various embodiments of the invention, the metal powder or granules can be selected from the group consisting of metals and non-metals. In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selected from the group consisting of magnetic and non-magnetic metals. In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be one or both a paramagnetic and a ferromagnetic material. 
     Paramagnetism is a form of magnetism which occurs only in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field. Ferromagnetism is the mechanism by which certain materials form permanent magnets or are attracted to magnets. Classical electro-magnetism indicates that two nearby magnetic dipoles will tend to align in opposite directions, so their magnetic fields will oppose one another and cancel out. However, in ferromagnetic materials the dipoles tend to align in the same direction. The Pauli Exclusion Principle teaches that two electrons with the same spin cannot also have the same ‘position’. Under certain conditions, the Pauli Exclusion Principle can be satisfied if the position of the outer orbitals of the aligned electrons is sufficiently distant. In these ferromagnetic materials, the electrons having parallel spins result in the distribution of electric charge in space being further apart and therefore the energy of these systems is at a minimum. The unpaired electrons align in parallel to an external magnetic field in paramagnetic materials. Only atoms with partially filled shells can have a net magnetic moment, so ferromagnetism and paramagnetism only occur in materials with partially filled outer electron shells. Non-magnetic metals typically have filled outer electron shells (e.g., Beryllium, Cadmium, Calcium, Magnesium, Mercury, and Zinc) or form covalently bound molecules fulfilling this condition (e.g., Aluminum, Barium, Copper, Gold, Lead, Lithium, Platinum, Potassium, Radium, Rhodium, Strontium, Silver, Tin, Titanium and Tungsten). As the temperature of ferromagnetic materials increase, the entropy of the system reduces the ferromagnetic alignment of the dipoles. When the temperature rises above the Curie temperature, the system can no longer maintain spontaneous magnetization, although the material still responds paramagnetically to an external field (see Table I for list of ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials and their Curie temperature). 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE I 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 List of ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials and their  
               
               
                 Curie temperature 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Material 
                 Curie temperature (° K) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Co 
                 1388 
               
               
                   
                 Fe 
                 1043 
               
               
                   
                 FeOFe 2 O 3   
                  858 
               
               
                   
                 NiOFe 2 O 3   
                  858 
               
               
                   
                 CuOFe 2 O 3   
                  728 
               
               
                   
                 MgOFe 2 O 3   
                  713 
               
               
                   
                 MnBi 
                  630 
               
               
                   
                 Ni 
                  627 
               
               
                   
                 MnSb 
                  587 
               
               
                   
                 MnOFe 2 O 3   
                  573 
               
               
                   
                 Y 3 Fe 5 O 12   
                  560 
               
               
                   
                 CrO 2   
                  386 
               
               
                   
                 MnAs 
                  318 
               
               
                   
                 Gd 
                  292 
               
               
                   
                 Dy 
                   88 
               
               
                   
                 EuO 
                   69 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selected from the group consisting of one or more iron containing substances including Fe, FeO, FeOFe 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , MnOFe 2 O 3 , MgOFe 2 O 3 , Y 3 Fe 5 O 12  and Fe 3 O 4 . In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selected from the group consisting of one or more copper containing substances including Cu, CuO, CuoFe 2 O 3  and Cu 2 O. In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selected from the group consisting of one or more aluminum containing substances including Al and Al 2 O 3 . In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selected from the group consisting of one or more nickel containing substances including Ni, NiO, Ni 2 O 3 , Ni(OH) 2  and NiOFe 2 O 3 . In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selected from the group consisting of one or more cobalt containing substances including Co, NaCoO 2  and Co 3 O 4 . In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selected from the group consisting of one or more lanthanide metals. In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selected from the group consisting of one or more ferromagnetic and/or ferrimagnetic materials of Table I. In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selected from the group consisting of physical mixing of two or more of Fe, FeO, FeOFe 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , Fe 3 O 4 , Cu, CuO, and Cu 2 O, Al and Al 2 O 3 . In various embodiments of the invention, the powder or granules can be selected from a physical combination of two or more metals or alloys that can either be magnetic or non-magnetic. 
     When a security alert reports the presence of a “white powder” or other unknown substance, there is an immediate and real need for determining the composition of the powder and specifically whether the powder is anthrax or any other dangerous biological or chemical agent. The first step in analysis of these ‘unknowns’ often involves isolation of the material in specialized containers for transfer to protect the analyst and his or her environment from contamination. In order to determine the chemical composition or organism present in the powder, the analyst often creates a soluble solution by dissolving the powder in water or an appropriate solvent. The use of expensive and often elaborate testing equipment is needed when using such a soluble solution and since not all powders are soluble valuable time is lost as the analyst labors to create that solution. Ultimately, the sample represents no security threat but the time used in determination of its composition is lengthened by each step of manipulation. 
     The challenge to rapid chemical analysis is designing a process that uses a minimum of sample manipulation in order to complete chemical analysis in mere seconds. The ability to complete rapid analysis of the sample can be facilitated if real time ionization can be used as a screening method. Thus, the development of a more practical device for positioning samples with minimal human intervention can be an important requirement for deploying real time monitoring, beyond the confines of the laboratory. Utilizing metal powders with ionization techniques to sample and retain the ‘unknown’ powder and subsequently permit its positioning for analysis can provide a means to facilitate the rapid determination of composition which is necessary to either dismiss or elevate the threat level. 
     A vacuum of atmospheric pressure is 1 atmosphere=760 torr. Generally, ‘approximately’ in this pressure range encompasses a range of pressures from below 10 1  atmosphere=7.6×10 3  torr to 10 −1  atmosphere=7.6×10 1  torr. A vacuum of below 10 −3  torr would constitute a high vacuum. Generally, ‘approximately’ in this pressure range encompasses a range of pressures from below 5×10 −3  torr to 5×10 −6  torr. A vacuum of below 10 −6  torr would constitute a very high vacuum. Generally, ‘approximately’ in this pressure range encompasses a range of pressures from below 5×10 −6  torr to 5×10 −9  torr. In the following, the phrase ‘high vacuum’ encompasses high vacuum and very high vacuum. The sampler/chamber system can be at atmospheric pressure. 
     Movement of Samples into and Through the Ionization Region for Analysis 
     In atmospheric pressure desorption ionization experiments solid objects placed in close proximity to the exit of the source interact with the gas exiting that source. The solid object is often positioned manually or by using devices such as tweezers. In an embodiment of the present invention, a sample in powder form can be immersed into or deposited into a container for co-mixing with metal powder. After mixing to disperse the powder in with the metal, a small fraction of the sample can be removed from the tube along with the metal, enabling its analysis as it is placed in the desorption ionization region. For rapid qualitative determination of samples, the quantity of sample retained on the metal is not critical; therefore, the acquisition of even a small quantity of material can enable a successful analysis. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, automation of the sampling technology for desorption ionization involves fabrication of a partially glass and partially metal rod sampler tip to which a small magnet can be fixed to cause the magnetized metal coated with “unknown” powder to be retained in its position for analysis. In another embodiment of the invention, by using a microscope slide-sized flat surface (i.e. a flat surface the size of a microscope slide) to which one or more magnets have been fixed on the underside, the metal coated with powder can be deposited on the surface for analysis. In a variety of embodiments of the invention, electro-magnetic fields can be used to automate the movement of the sample from container to container or from container to sample surface for analysis. In an embodiment of the invention, a non-magnetic metal coated with powder can be deposited onto a surface for analysis where the weight of the metal can be sufficient to cause the sample to maintain position in the presence of the flowing gas stream used for desorption ionization. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing of a metal powder with an ‘unknown’ powder or ‘unknown’ sample present in crystalline form facilitates mechanical control of the positioning of the sample with magnetic or electro-magnetic fields. A ‘sampler device’ can be fabricated such that the sample can be inserted into an enclosed chamber attached to a desorption ionization region. Using the ‘sampler device’ the sample can be reliably transferred from the enclosed chamber into the desorption ionization region by mechanical or electro-mechanical means. In an embodiment of the invention a method is described for depositing the ‘unknown’ or material of interest onto a sampler and dropping the sampler into the chamber and subsequently manipulating the sampler into position using robotics without requiring human intervention to physically touch or contact the sample. Once the sample is placed in the desorption ionization region, chemical analysis can take place. 
     A mechanical device is operated by a mechanism. An electro-mechanical device or system is a mechanical device or system that is actuated or controlled by electricity. An electro-magnetic device is operated, actuated or controlled by magnetism produced by electricity. An electro-mechanical force is a force formed by electro-magnetic induction. 
     Sampler Device 
       FIG. 1  shows prior art of a desorption ionization source coupled to a mass spectrometer. In  FIG. 1 , the ‘sampler device’  116  is a 1.4 mm outside diameter, 0.5 mm inside diameter by 6 mm long glass tube with one end sealed. The sampler device has a coating of material on its exterior surface at the closed end. The coating was generated by dissolving the sample in a solvent and then applying a solution to the sampler device  116 . The device  116  is positioned between the ionization source  101  which is directing a flow of gas or liquid at the device  116 . Materials desorbed from the surface are ionized and those products enter the spectrometer through an atmospheric pressure inlet  121 . In various embodiments of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 2 , one or more small magnets or pieces of either paramagnetic or ferromagnetic susceptible metal  234  are secured to a metal rod  216  having similar dimensions to the glass rod of  FIG. 1 . The device  216  can be positioned between the ionization source  201  which is directing a flow of gas or liquid at the device  216 . Materials desorbed from the surface can be ionized and those products can enter the spectrometer through an atmospheric pressure inlet  221 . A sample of magnetic susceptible metal powder or granules co-mixed with sample powder can then be applied to the closed-end of the tube of the sampler. Preparation of the sample for analysis is depicted in  FIG. 3  where a powder sample  341  represented on a common laboratory spatula  356  is added to a container  318  containing an excess of metal  307 . As shown in  FIG. 4  after mixing of the sample with the metal powder in the container, the metal sampler device  416  to which one or more small magnets or pieces of magnetic susceptible metal  434  have been secured can be inserted into the volume of the container  418  containing an excess of metal powder coated with the sample  407  to permit collection of a portion of the metal powder coated with sample  447 . In an embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 5  the sampler device  516  is a small magnetically susceptible piece of metal such as an iron nail to which a small magnet  534  has been positioned approximately one (1) inch above the closed end of the nail  516 , referred to as a ‘magnetized nail’  516 . The magnetized nail  516  can be used as a sample transfer device to move sample from the container  418  shown in  FIG. 4  to a surface for sampling. In  FIG. 5  sample positioning of sample (mixed with metal powder  547 ) for analysis is facilitated by using a surface  553  under which a small magnet  537  or series of magnets can be placed in order to retain the magnetically susceptible metal powder coated with sample in position for analysis. A photograph of the device described in  FIG. 5  is shown in  FIG. 6 . Implementation of the device of  FIG. 5  with a direct analysis in real time ionization source is shown schematically in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  shows the surface  753  with magnet  737  positioned to locate sample positioned between the ionization source  701  which is directing a flow of gas or liquid at the sample. Materials desorbed from the surface are ionized and those products enter the spectrometer through an atmospheric pressure inlet  721 . A line drawing of the device of  FIG. 7  with a direct analysis in real time ionization source is shown in  FIG. 10 . A photograph of the device described in  FIG. 7  is shown in  FIG. 11 . In an embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 8 , the end of the metal powder coated sample device  816  (utilizing a magnet  834  to hold the sample) can be positioned inside a sampling chamber  836  to allow sampling in a closed volume to protect the analyst from harmful chemicals and toxins. The end of the sampling device  816  can be positioned between the ionization source  801 , which can be directing a flow of gas or liquid at the device  816 . Materials desorbed from the surface can be ionized and those products enter the spectrometer through an atmospheric pressure inlet  821 . In an embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 9 , the sampler device  953  can be inserted through port  924  and positioned inside a sampling chamber  936  to allow sampling in a closed volume to protect the analyst from harmful chemicals and toxins. The sampler device  953  can be positioned between the ionization source  901  which can be directing a flow of gas or liquid at the sampler device  953 . Materials desorbed from the surface can be ionized and those products can enter the spectrometer through an atmospheric pressure inlet  921 . Orientation of the sampler device  953  can be manipulated without concern for loss of sample since the action of the magnetic field derived from the small magnets  937  retains the sample on the surface. Once analysis is complete the sampler device  953  can exit the chamber  936  through port  939 . The sample can be manipulated in the closed environment to permit analysis. 
     Electro-Mechanical Chamber 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can be a cylinder having an opening through which the sampler can be inserted. The open ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can be of sufficient dimension to permit insertion of a variety of objects. In an embodiment of the present invention, the open ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can accept 1×10 −4  m diameter tubes. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the open ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can accept 1×10 −3  m diameter tubes. In another embodiment of the present invention, the open ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can accept 1×10 −2  m diameter tubes. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the open ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can accept 1×10 −1  m diameter tubes. In various embodiment of the present invention, the open ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can accept a non-cylindrical sampler device. 
     In an embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 7  a sampler with the configuration shown in  FIG. 5  can be depicted as a plate  753  with the ionization gun  701  directing species at the sample which forms ions that enter the spectrometer through aperture  721 . As shown in  FIG. 10  the sampler with the configuration shown in  FIG. 5  is depicted as a rectangular plate  1053  with the sample mixed with metal powder  1057  has been deposited, with the ionization gun  1001  directing species at the sample which forms ions that enter the spectrometer through aperture  1021 . The location of the sample mixed with metal powder  1057  in front of the ionization gun  1001  can be changed using a location locking device  1024 . The rectangular plate  1053  enters the proximal end of the ‘electro-mechanical chamber.  FIG. 9  illustrates a series of events starting with capture of the ‘sampler device’  953  in a fixed position such that the sample itself does not touch any surface of the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’. The sample may be pushed through an entrance  924  and exit  939  of the chamber to permit rapid, safe detection of powder with the spectroscopy system  921 . In an embodiment of the invention, a series of magnets to which a magnetically susceptible metal coated powder of interest can be positioned along a conveyor belt serves to transfer the powder coated metal to the desorption ionization region by using an electro-magnetic field. The interaction of the sample coated magnet with the electro-magnet element serves to hold the sampler in an intermediate position prior to analysis. A sampling zone  901 , where the analysis occurs, can be at the distal end of the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ of the desorption ionization source. At the proximal end of the ‘electro-mechanical chamber a lid capable of closing and forming an airtight seal once the sampler had been placed inside the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ in a fixed position. The function of the lid can be to maintain enough pressure to keep gases from escaping through the proximal end of the cylindrical ‘electro-mechanical chamber’. Closure of the lid can also initiate the sampling sequence by depressing a switch or completing an electrical or optical contact, and thus connecting an initiation event marker of electrical, digital or mechanical design. 
     In an embodiment of the invention with the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ containing the ‘sampler device’ closed and sealed, the composition of the chemical environment surrounding the sample can be controlled. In an embodiment of the invention, the sealed ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can be used to support one or more functions selected from the group consisting of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization; negative ion chemical ionization; prevention of oxidation or reduction of the sample; or exposure of the sample to one or more other ionization sources. With the sampler under the influence of the electro-magnetic field, the sample can be positioned for desorption ionization. In the case where the sample is a large object with one or more distinct surfaces, the electro-magnetic field can be used to move the entire object in order to affect desorption of different areas of the sample by use of the electro-magnetic fields. In the case where the sample requires different ionization conditions using the same ionization source, the electro-magnetic field can be used to move the entire object in order to affect desorption of the same area of the sample with similar DART guns operated at different conditions by use of the electro-magnetic fields. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, after the analysis is complete and to facilitate analysis of the next sample, the electro-magnetic field can be used to expel the ‘sampler device’ out from the ionization region from the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’. Once the analysis is complete, the electro-magnetic field can either be turned off and a spring mechanism used to release the sampler device, or the electro-magnetic field can be reversed. In an embodiment of the invention, the opening of an exit port door located at the distal end of the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ can deactivate the electro-magnetic field elements and release the sampler device allowing the sample to fall under the effect of gravity through the exit port located at the distal end of the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a series of electro-magnetic devices including rings, plates, balls, or other shapes designed to capture specific objects can be used to transport the sample into the ideal position for desorption ionization. Once the analysis is complete, the series of electro-magnetic rings can be used to eject the ‘sampler device’ back into the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’. In another embodiment of the invention, concerted action of the electro-magnetic fields results in a high throughput apparatus for rapid sampling by desorption ionization at atmospheric pressure. 
     The sampler device can have a segment of metal comprised of a band of metal or a strip of metal positioned remote from the desorption ionization region. In this manner, the magnetic fields would not deflect or defocus ions that must be transferred to the spectroscopy system for analysis. In an embodiment of the invention the metal or magnets can be enclosed in the body of the sampler at a position remote from the desorption ionization region. The ‘sampling device’ objects can be made of glass, ceramic, plastic, wood, fabric or other suitable material shaped into tubes, rod, plates, or other objects customized for sampling. The metal pin, crimping cap, shank, brad, staple, wire or band can be inserted into or bonded to the sampling device in order to secure that sample to the sampling object. 
     The ‘sampler device’ and the ‘electro-mechanical chamber’ system can be automatically operated at increased sample turnaround speed without requiring an analyst or other human intervention. A significant utility of the sampler/chamber system embodied in the invention lies in unattended operation which thereby increases sampling speed. 
     In an embodiment of the invention a device for ionizing an analyte comprises a chamber with at least three ports, where a first port allows the analyte to enter the chamber and the chamber is adapted to mix the analyte with a material using a magnetic field source where the magnetic field source is adapted to constrain the analyte mixed with the material within the chamber. The device further comprises an atmospheric pressure ionization source adapted to be directed at the analyte mixed with the material to form analyte ions which exit out of a second port. The magnetic field source is further adapted to remove the analyte mixed with the material from the chamber through a third port to dispose of the analyte. 
     In an embodiment of the invention a method of ionizing a sample comprises mixing the sample with a ferromagnetic material with a lower ionization efficiency relative to the sample and constraining the sample mixed with the material using a magnetic field and generating one or more analyte ions of the sample and then using the magnetic field to dispose of the sample. 
     In an embodiment of the invention a kit for handling a sample for atmospheric pressure ionization comprises a vial adapted to be opened and resealed containing a material, where opening the vial and locating the sample in the vial and resealing the vial mixes the sample and the material. The kit further comprises a probe including a proximal end, a distal end, a coil situated at the distal end and a switch, where the switch is adapted to apply or discontinue an electro-magnetic field through the coil to position the material mixed with the sample onto the probe, where the probe is adapted to enter the vial and thereby position the material mixed with the sample onto the probe for removal from the vial. The kit further comprises an analysis plate with one or both a fixed magnet and an electro-magnet adapted to move the material mixed with the sample from the probe onto the analysis plate while constraining the material mixed with the sample to one or more regions on the plate for atmospheric pressure ionization. 
     Example embodiments of the methods, systems, and components of the present invention have been described herein. As noted elsewhere, these example embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes only, and are not limiting. Other embodiments are possible and are covered by the invention. Such embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. For example, it is envisaged that, irrespective of the actual shape depicted in the various Figures and embodiments described above, the outer diameter exit of the inlet tube can be tapered or non-tapered and the outer diameter entrance of the outlet tube can be tapered or non-tapered. 
     Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.