Atmospheric pressure afterglow ionization system and method of use, for mass spectrometer sample analysis systems

摘要: An system and method for use analyzing samples in mass spectrometers using afterglow metastable species at atmospheric pressure to controllably dissociate, fragment ionize sample is disclosed. Metastable are created by application of adjustable intensity and/or frequency electrical energy one portion a modular electric discharge chamber, then caused interact with distally located the termed "afterglow" portion, produce ionized molecules fragments etc. The can be used any source but preferred embodiment utilizes an ultrasonic nebulizer nebulize solutions, such as conventional liquid chromatography effluents, into solution droplets, followed desolvation thereof provide nebulized particles, prior entry chamber. Ionization occures result interaction released relaxing species. Operation reduces operational, contamination maintenance problems allows easy introduction form.