Systems and methods for use in introducing samples to an analytical instrument. The systems and methods are adaptable to process either a liquid sample or a gaseous sample, including samples containing particle contaminants, for subsequent analysis using an analytical instrument.

In a device adjustment process, when a solenoid valve is opened, a gas resulting from vaporization of PFTBA held in a container is drawn into an ion source, a relationship between ambient temperature and a correction coefficient for actual signal values is experimentally determined beforehand. In an actual adjustment process, an ambient temperature acquirer reads the ambient temperature and refers to the correction information to determine the correction coefficient corresponding to the ambient temperature at that moment. A signal value corrector multiplies an actually measured peak area value by the correction coefficient to correct the actual signal value. A device adjustment controller adjusts a voltage applied to an ion detector so that the corrected actual signal value matches with a reference signal value. The voltage applied to the ion detector can be thereby adjusted so that the detector has the same level of gain independent of the ambient temperature.

A method of analysis using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed comprising: (a) using a first device to generate smoke, aerosol or vapour from a target in vitro or ex vivo cell population; (b) mass analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said smoke, aerosol or vapour, or ions derived therefrom, in order to obtain spectrometric data; and (c) analysing said spectrometric data in order to identify and/or characterise said target cell population or one or more cells and/or compounds present in said target cell population.

Disclosed are embodiments directed to a multi-ion identification device, a system and method using the same to utilize chemical ionization in multiple adduct formation from the substances in the sampled gas of a gas sample being addressed to be analyzed in a mass analyzer. The multi-ion identification device includes a buffering region to have the sample flow turbulence decayed before the sample flow entrance to the ionization region)) utilizing chemical ionization by reagents from an ensemble of reagent ion towers.

A new form of trace sampling system which is configured to be employed in-line with a conventional conveyor-based imaging scanner, removing the need for a manual sampling substrate to be used with a mass spectrometry detection or mobility spectra detection system. The system is designed to enable rapid sampling without the need for the use of an external sampling medium such as a swab. Manifolds present within a chamber of the conveyor present evaporators and air heaters oriented towards objects to be sampled. The evaporators, via radiation, convey the sample vapor via a vacuum to a detector to analyze the vapor for selected variables.

Provided is a mass spectrometer including: an ion generation unit configured to provide an ion generation path; an ion selection unit configured to provide an ion selection path connected to the ion generation path; a reaction unit configured to provide a reaction path connected to the ion selection path; a second ion selection unit configured to provide a second ion selection path connected to the reaction path; and an ion detection unit coupled to the second ion selection unit. The ion selection path and the reaction path extend in a first direction, and the reaction unit includes: a reaction pipe extending in the first direction to define the reaction path; and a sample inflow pipe coupled to the reaction pipe. The sample inflow pipe provides a sample inflow path connected to the reaction path, and the sample inflow path includes an inclined path. The inclined path extends to form an acute angle (α) with respect to the first direction.

Bubble plasma ionisation probe for analysing liquids by mass spectrometry. A means of a detecting analytes dissolved in a liquid by mass spectrometry is described. Gas flows from a source through a first conduit 105 and thereafter through a coaxial second conduit 103 that also serves as the inlet to the mass spectrometer 102. The coaxial arrangement of conduits is submerged in the liquid to be analysed 301. Using a feedback loop, the gas pressure is adjusted and controlled such that an attached bubble 302 forms at the open end of the first conduit 105. A plasma 305 is provided in the bubble. The plasma is preferably generated by a dielectric barrier discharge between a collar electrode 107 and mass spectrometer inlet 103. Analytes dissolved in the liquid are both desorbed form the gas-liquid interface and ionised by the action of the plasma. Ions formed in this way become entrained in the gas flow and are consequently transferred to the mass spectrometer, where they are analysed.

A method of spectrometric analysis comprises obtaining one or more sample spectra for an aerosol, smoke or vapour sample. The one or more sample spectra are subjected to pre-processing and then multivariate and/or library based analysis so as to classify the aerosol, smoke or vapour sample. The results of the analysis are used for various surgical or non-surgical applications.

An analysis method of performing an analysis on a sample containing a first substance and a second substance that has an influence on an analysis of the first substance in regard to a concentration of the first substance, includes performing an analysis on the sample in regard to the concentration of the first substance to obtain sample analysis data, and deriving a result of analysis in regard to a concentration of the first substance based on the sample analysis data and adjustment information that is set based on the influence.

A first mass spectrum including a fragment ion peak is generated under application of a first ionization method. A second mass spectrum including a molecular ion peak is generated under application of a second ionization method. These mass spectra are synthesized to generate a synthesized mass spectrum. On the synthesized mass spectrum, difference information, such as a mass difference and difference composition, is calculated between the molecular ion peak and the fragment ion peak.