초록 ▼

The invention described herein provides a matrix-based ion source including a gas heating device for providing heated gas at a defined temperature to the ionization region of the ion source. The ion source may also include a temperature sensor. The heating device and temperature sensor may be operab

The invention described herein provides a matrix-based ion source including a gas heating device for providing heated gas at a defined temperature to the ionization region of the ion source. The ion source may also include a temperature sensor. The heating device and temperature sensor may be operably connected to work as a closed feedback loop to provide gas at a constant, pre-determined, temperature to the ionization region. Also disclosed is a mass spectrometer system having the matrix-based ion source. A method of producing ions employing gas that is heated to a pre-determined temperature is also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A matrix-based ion source comprising: an ion collection capillary having an ion inlet orifice; a target plate that is adjacent to said ion inlet orifice; an ionization region that is interposed between said inlet orifice and said target plate; a conduit for supplying gas to said ioniza

We claim: 1. A matrix-based ion source comprising: an ion collection capillary having an ion inlet orifice; a target plate that is adjacent to said ion inlet orifice; an ionization region that is interposed between said inlet orifice and said target plate; a conduit for supplying gas to said ionization region; a gas heating device for heating said gas to a defined temperature; and a temperature sensor disposed in the ion source for monitoring temperature of said gas. 2. The matrix-based ion source of claim 1, wherein said temperature sensor is a thermostat. 3. The matrix-based ion source of claim 1, wherein said temperature sensor comprises a thermistor, thermocouple or resistance temperature detector (RTD) sensor. 4. The matrix-based ion source of claim 3, wherein said temperature sensor and said gas heating device are operably connected and operate in a closed feedback loop to maintain said gas at a constant temperature. 5. The matrix-based ion source of claim 4, wherein said temperature sensor and said gas heating device are operably connected to a user interface that displays said temperature of said heated gas. 6. The matrix-based ion source of claim 5, wherein said user interface allows an operator to change said temperature of said heated gas. 7. The matrix-based ion source of claim 1, wherein said defined temperature is in the range of about 50�� C. to about 250�� C. 8. The matrix-based km source of claim 1, wherein said defined temperature is in the range of about 60�� C. to about 200�� C. 9. The matrix-based ion Source of claim 1, wherein said gas heating device is disposed within said ion source. 10. The matrix-based ion source of claim 1, wherein said matrix-based ion source is operably connected to a source of gas. 11. The matrix-based ion source of claim 10, wherein said gas heating device is disposed exterior to said ion source and associated with said conduit. 12. The matrix-based ion source of claim 1, wherein said ion source is operated at above 100 mTorr. 13. The matrix-based ion source of claim 1, wherein said ion source is operated at atmospheric pressure. 14. A matrix-based ion source comprising: an ion collection capillary having an ion inlet orifice; a target plate that is adjacent to said ion inlet orifice; an ionization region that is interposed between said ion collection capillary and said target plate; a conduit for supplying gas to said ionization region; a gas heating device for heating said gas to a defined temperature; and a sensor for sensing temperature of said heated gas in said ion source; wherein said sensor and said gas heating device are operably connected and operate in a closed feedback loop to maintain said heated gas at a pre-defined temperature. 15. The matrix-based ion source of claim 14, wherein said gas heating device and said sensor are coupled to a user interface that is exterior to said ion source. 16. The matrix-based ion source of claim 14, wherein said user interface allows an operator to alter said temperature of said heated gas. 17. A mass spectrometer system comprising: a) a matrix-based ion source comprising: an ion collection capillary having an ion inlet orifice; a target plate that is adjacent to said ion inlet orifice; an ionization region that is interposed between said ion collection capillary and said target plate; a conduit for supplying heated gas to said ionization region; and a gas heating device for heating said gas to a defined temperature; and b) an ion transport system downstream from said matrix-based ion source; and c) an ion detector downstream from said ion transport system. 18. The mass spectrometer system of claim 17, further comprising a temperature sensor in said matrix-based ion source for monitoring temperature of said heated gas. 19. The mass spectrometer system of claim 18, wherein said temperature sensor and said gas heating device operate in a closed feedback loop to maintain said heated gas at a constant temperature. 20. The mass spectrometer system of claim 17, wherein said temperature sensor and said gas heating device are operatively connected to a user interface that displays the temperature of said heated gas. 21. The mass spectrometer system of claim 20, wherein said user interface allows an operator to change the temperature of said heated gas. 22. The mass spectrometer system of claim 17, wherein said ion source is operated at atmospheric pressure. 23. The mass spectrometer system of claim 17, wherein said ion source is operated at above 100 mTorr. 24. A method of producing ions in a matrix-based ion source, comprising: directing a gas at a defined temperature towards an ionization region of a matrix based ion source; ionizing a sample to produce ions; transporting said ions out of said ion source. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising monitoring the temperature said gas. 26. The method of claim 24, further comprising altering the temperature of said gas.