MASS SPECTROMETERS AND METHODS FOR RAPID SCREENING OF LIBRARIES OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS

摘要

Methods and apparatus for screening diverse arrays of materials are provided . In particular, techniques are provided for rapidly characterizing compounds in combinatorial arrays of materials for discoverin g and/or optimizing new materials with specific desired properties. According to one aspect, a scanning mass spectrometer is used which includes an ionization chamber and a collector that outputs an electrical signal responsive to the quantity of gas ions contacti ng the collector surface. A conduit system selectively withdraws samples from the array of materials, passing the samples into the ionization chamber. In a specific embodiment, reactants are passed through the conduit system to the selected regions of interest on the substrate. Mea ns are provided to selectively heat regions on the substrate.