Patent ID: 8704169

Claim:
A mass spectrometer for analyzing a sample, comprising: a conductive sample platform which functions as a counter electrode or discharge electrode and a surface to provide the sample to be analyzed; an ion source positioned adjacent to the sample platform and configured to ionize a gas and direct the gas toward the sample; a bias source coupled to the conductive sample platform and the ion source and configured to establish a potential difference between the conductive sample platform and the ion source; an ion transmission device situated to collect ions produced from the sample; and a mass analyzer coupled so as to receive ions from the ion transmission device for measuring a mass versus charge ratio of the molecule collected in the ion transmission device, thereby allowing a mass spectrum of the sample to be generated, wherein the conductive sample platform includes a recess defining a protuberance, the protuberance forming a point that is positioned toward the ion source thereby providing a point of impact for an electrical discharge between the sample platform and the ion source.