Mass spectrometer electrospray ionization

摘要

A method of providing ions to a mass spectrometer having an interface member with an orifice through which ions are received for analysis. A fluid is provided at a capillary tip of an electrospray ionization source and a potential difference applied between the tip and the interface member so as to direct an ion beam from the tip toward and through the orifice. A field enhancing potential is applied at an auxiliary electrode so as to increase the electric field gradient from the capillary tip at least part way toward the interface member. A focussing potential may be applied to the auxiliary electrode to generate an electric field which decreases beam divergence from at least part way toward the interface member. Both the field enhancing and focusing potential may alternately be applied to the auxiliary electrode.