INTERFACE BETWEEN LIQUID FLOW AND MASS SPECTROMETER

摘要

An interface apparatus for introducing a sample for analysis from a liquid flow into a mass spectrometer as a plurality of charged droplets is disclosed. The interface apparatus includes interface body which defines a spray chamber and an orifice, a spray means defining a liquid-flow inlet channel and an excess-sample-flow exit channel and having an open end disposed inside the spray chamber, and a means for applying a voltage to the sample to form a plurality of charged droplets. The charged droplets pass through the orifice in the interface body and are introduced into a mass spectrometer for analysis. In other embodiments, the interface includes a valve means for regulating the flow of sample into the sample inlet channel and means for imposing a pressure gradient on the sample at the open end which induces the sample to flow from the sample inlet channel through the excess sample outlet channel. Also, various methods for using the apparatus are disclosed.