A system for generating data relating to a tissue core comprises a core needle biopsy module configured to obtain a tissue core from a locus within the body, and a tissue disintegration module operably connected to the core needle biopsy module and configured to receive a tissue core from the core needle biopsy module and convert at least a portion of the tissue core into gaseous tissue molecules. The system also comprises first vacuum pump means configured to convey a tissue core from the needle biopsy module to the tissue disintegration module, and second vacuum pump means configured to convey gaseous tissue molecules from the tissue disintegration module to an analyser module.

A system for generating data relating to a tissue core comprises a core needle biopsy module configured to obtain a tissue core from a locus within the body, and a tissue disintegration module operably connected to the core needle biopsy module and configured to receive a tissue core from the core needle biopsy module and convert at least a portion of the tissue core into gaseous tissue molecules. The system also comprises first vacuum pump means configured to convey a tissue core from the needle biopsy module to the tissue disintegration module, and second vacuum pump means configured to convey gaseous tissue molecules from the tissue disintegration module to an analyser module.

A mass spectrometry method includes detecting, in a first mass spectrometry of a sample containing a glycan having a plurality of sialic acids each modified differently, a plurality of oxonium ions derived from each of the plurality of sialic acids, and calculating relative values of intensities of the plurality of oxonium ions based on data obtained by the detection.

Methods of assessing, such as characterizing or determining, condensate-associated characteristics of a compound, such as a test compound, and applications thereof are provided. For example, methods of determining a partition characteristic of a test compound in a target condensate, methods of determining a relative partition characteristic of a test compound in a target condensate, and methods of determining a condensate preference profile of a test compound are provided. Additionally, methods of designing and/or identifying and/or making a compound, or portion thereof, with a desired relative condensate partition characteristic are provided.

A method of analysis using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed. The method comprises: using a first device to generate smoke, aerosol or vapour from a target comprising or consisting of a microbial population; mass analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said smoke, aerosol or vapour, or ions derived therefrom, in order to obtain spectrometric data; and analysing said spectrometric data in order to analyse said microbial population.

A method of analysis using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed. The method comprises: using a first device to generate smoke, aerosol or vapour from a target comprising or consisting of a microbial population; mass analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said smoke, aerosol or vapour, or ions derived therefrom, in order to obtain spectrometric data; and analysing said spectrometric data in order to analyse said microbial population.

A mass spectrometer comprises an interface for receiving an ion beam from an ion source, a mass analyzer unit for selecting from the received ion beam, in two or more time periods, ions having different ranges of mass-to-charge ratios, a first detection unit for detecting, in each of said time period, ions within a selected range and producing first detection signals representative of quantities of detected ions having respective mass-to-charge ratios, and a second detection unit arranged between the interface and the mass analyzer unit for producing a second detection signal representative of a total intensity of the ion beam received from the ion source as a function of time. The mass spectrometer further comprises a processing unit for normalizing the first detection signals by using the second detection signal, which processing unit may output a ratio of normalized first detection signals.

A nozzle for an ionisation source comprises: a light passage having an inlet end and an outlet end; and a gas flow passage in fluid communication with the light passage, wherein the gas flow passage is configured to convey, in use, a flow of gas into the light passage such that the flow of gas travels substantially towards the outlet end of the light passage.

A nozzle for an ionisation source comprises: a light passage having an inlet end and an outlet end; and a gas flow passage in fluid communication with the light passage, wherein the gas flow passage is configured to convey, in use, a flow of gas into the light passage such that the flow of gas travels substantially towards the outlet end of the light passage.

Systems and approaches for semiconductor metrology and surface analysis using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) are disclosed. In an example, a secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) system includes a sample stage. A primary ion beam is directed to the sample stage. An extraction lens is directed at the sample stage. The extraction lens is configured to provide a low extraction field for secondary ions emitted from a sample on the sample stage. A magnetic sector spectrograph is coupled to the extraction lens along an optical path of the SIMS system. The magnetic sector spectrograph includes an electrostatic analyzer (ESA) coupled to a magnetic sector analyzer (MSA).