| 摘要 |
A method of ionising a sample is provided, comprising: providing an analyte containing fluid sample within a sample holder 20; applying one or more pulses of acoustic energy to the fluid sample using an acoustic transducer 30 to cause a spray to be ejected from the surface of the fluid sample; and applying an AC, RF or alternating voltage to the fluid sample using an electrode 50. Applying an AC, RF or alternating voltage to the fluid sample improves the stability of operation of the ion source, while the repeated switching of the voltage between different polarities allows the alternate formation of negatively and positively charged ions. Also envisaged is an ion inlet device in which a potential difference maintained between a first electrode located between the fluid sample or sample holder and the acoustic transducer, and a second electrode located above the sample holder, forms an electrolytic capacitor in which the fluid sample forms the electrolyte. |
