| 摘要 |
An ion source comprises a nebuliser 1 and a target 5, wherein the nebuliser 1 emits, in use, a stream predominantly of droplets which are caused to impact upon the target 5 and to ionise the droplets to form a plurality of ions. The ion source further comprises one or more electrodes 10 arranged adjacent to and/or attached to the target 5. The one or more electrodes 10 comprise one or more apertures, notches or cut-outs 12 wherein at least some of the plurality of ions pass, in use, through the one or more apertures 12. The ionisation may be atmospheric pressure ionisation (API). The ions may flow around the surface of the target 5 (Coanda flow) to reach the aperture 12 in the electrode 10. The electrode 10 may increase the ion count passing into the spectrometer, providing a less dispersive gas flow into the inlet 8. An insulating tube 14 may be provided between the inlet 8 to the mass spectrometer and the electrodes 10. |
