A mass spectrometer includes an ionization unit, a mass separation unit, a detection unit, a first measurement control unit configured to control the ionization unit to repeatedly execute a first measurement on a target sample while changing values of a plurality of parameters defined as device parameters, a second measurement control unit configured to control the ionization unit to set a value of each of the plurality of parameters to a predetermined reference value and execute a second measurement on the target sample at two or more time points before, after, or in a middle of repetition of the first measurement, a correction processing unit configured to correct results of the first measurements using results of the second measurements, and a device parameter-related information acquisition unit configured to determine the plurality of parameters using the corrected measurement results or acquire reference information for determining the plurality of parameters.

A method for analyzing charged particles may include generating, in or into an ion source region, charged particles from a sample of particles, causing the charged particles to enter a mass spectrometer from the ion source region at each of a plurality of differing physical and/or chemical conditions in a range of physical and/or chemical conditions in which the sample particles undergo structural changes, controlling the mass spectrometer to measure at least the charge magnitudes of the generated charged particles at each of the plurality of differing physical and/or chemical conditions, determining, with a processor, an average charge magnitude of the generated charged particles at each of the plurality of differing physical and/or chemical conditions based on the measured charge magnitudes, and determining, with the processor, an average charge magnitude profile over the range of physical and/or chemical conditions based on the determined average charge magnitudes.

Methods for preparing a biological sample for testing by Maldi where such methods are selected based on sample parameters. Maldi scores are obtained for a range of sample parameters (e.g. McFarland, dispense volume and number of dispenses). From the data, sample preparation parameters can be selected for a biological sample being prepared for Maldi testing. One sample preparation strategy uses multiple dispenses of sample with an intervening drying step, which yields more accurate Maldi scores, particularly for samples at the low range of McFarland values (e.g. below about 2).

In one aspect, an ion guide for use in a mass spectrometry system is disclosed, which comprises an inlet for receiving a plurality of ions entrained in a gas flow, and a plurality of rods arranged in a multipole configuration so as to provide a passageway through which the received ions can traverse. At least one of the rods is configured for application of a DC and/or an RF voltage thereto for generating an electromagnetic field within the passageway suitable for focusing the ions, and a controller configured to maintain an operational pressure of the ion guide within a predefined range.

A system for cooling an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) instrument includes: the ICP instrument; a pump in fluid communication with the instrument via a first conduit; and a micro-channel heat exchanger in fluid communication with the instrument via a second conduit, and in fluid communication with the pump via a third conduit. The pump is configured to generate a pump outlet pressure of coolant that exceeds a back pressure of the instrument such that a pressure of the coolant traveling through the second conduit and into the heat exchanger is less than or equal to 5 pounds per square inch (psi) above atmospheric pressure, as measured at an inlet to the heat exchanger.

A method is disclosed comprising providing a biological sample on a swab, directing a spray of charged droplets onto a surface of the swab in order to generate a plurality of analyte ions, and analysing the analyte ions.

Methods for determining the hardness and/or ductility of a material by compression of the material are provided as a first aspect of the invention. Typically, compression is performed on multiple sides of a geologic material sample in a contemporaneous manner. Devices and systems for performing such methods also are provided. These methods, devices, and systems can be combined with additional methods, devices, and systems of the invention that provide for the analysis of compounds contained in such samples, which can indicate the presence of valuable materials, such as petroleum-associated hydrocarbons. Alternatively, these additional methods, devices, and systems can also stand independently of the methods, devices, and systems for analyzing ductility and/or hardness of materials.

A flexible, foldable light-weight gas chromatography transfer line suitable for connecting a gas chromatograph (GC) to a spectrometer, such as a mass spectrometer or optical spectrometer, in particular to the ion source of the spectrometer, such as an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) ion source. The transfer line has a heating arrangement that allows maintaining an even temperature profile, which improves quality of spectra. The transfer line has low thermal mass and the heating can be controlled with the control unit of the GC.

Methods and systems for chemical analysis. For instance, a device for chemical analysis of a sample includes a housing, an inlet, a pump, multiple membranes and at least one detector. The housing contains an interior chamber of the device. The inlet on the housing introduces the sample into the interior chamber. The pump is connected to the housing to form a partial vacuum in the interior chamber. The multiple membranes have different response times to different constituents of the sample. The multiple membranes include at least a first membrane and a second membrane. At least one of the first membrane and the second membrane comprises a tubular portion. The multiple membranes have different response times to different constituents of the sample. The detector is for detecting the different constituents of the sample after interaction with the multiple membranes. In addition, a method for chemical analysis of a sample. A first step includes introducing a sample to multiple membranes having different response times to different constituents of the sample. A second step includes separating the different constituents of the sample due to the different response times of the multiple membranes. A third step includes detecting the different constituents of the gas after separating with the multiple membranes.

An apparatus is disclosed comprising a first device for generating aerosol, smoke or vapour from one or more regions of a target, an inlet conduit to an ion analyser or mass spectrometer, the inlet conduit having an inlet through which the aerosol, smoke or vapour passes, and a Venturi pump arrangement arranged and adapted to direct the aerosol, smoke or vapour towards the inlet.