Patent ID: 7910896

Claim:
A micro discharge device (MDD) ionizer apparatus, comprising: a dielectric barrier that includes a first open end connected to an electrically conductive capillary tube, and a second open end connected to a sample collection capillary tube; a high voltage electrode positioned around said dielectric barrier in close linear proximity to said electrically conductive capillary tube and sealed by a non-conductive epoxy, wherein said high voltage electrode and said electrically conductive capillary tube are electrically connected to an electronic controller; and a plasma discharge formed in a flow path of said dielectric barrier when an AC potential is applied between said high voltage electrode and said electrically conductive capillary tube, wherein said plasma discharge in said dielectric barrier provides a very soft ionization of multiple sample molecules at a high pressure; and a potting block for housing an MDD ionizer, wherein said potting block is sealed by said non-conductive epoxy, said MDD ionizer comprising an MDD detector compatible with at least one MEMS-based device.