An ion analysis device 1 configured to generate and analyze product ions from precursor ions derived from a sample component includes: a reaction chamber 132 into which the precursor ions are introduced; a radical emitter 134 made of a predetermined kind of metal and disposed in the reaction chamber or a space communicating with the reaction chamber, at least a part of a surface of the radical emitter being oxidized or nitrided; a heating unit 20 configured to heat the radical emitter to a predetermined temperature; and separation detection units 135 and 136 configured to separate and detect, according to at least one of a mass-to-charge ratio and an ion mobility, product ions generated from the precursor ions by a reaction with radicals emitted from the radical emitter heated to the predetermined temperature.

An ion analysis device 1 configured to generate and analyze product ions from precursor ions derived from a sample component includes: a reaction chamber 132 into which the precursor ions are introduced; a radical emitter 134 made of a predetermined kind of metal and disposed in the reaction chamber or a space communicating with the reaction chamber, at least a part of a surface of the radical emitter being oxidized or nitrided; a heating unit 20 configured to heat the radical emitter to a predetermined temperature; and separation detection units 135 and 136 configured to separate and detect, according to at least one of a mass-to-charge ratio and an ion mobility, product ions generated from the precursor ions by a reaction with radicals emitted from the radical emitter heated to the predetermined 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.

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.

An ion source includes an electron generator, an ionization chamber, and a magnetic field. The electron generator is configured to produce electrons. The ionization chamber has an electron entrance aperture through a first wall, an ion exit aperture through a second wall, and an axis. The ionization chamber is configured to produce ions. The magnetic field is arranged to confine electrons in a beam directed through the electron entrance aperture, in a direction within 45 degrees of parallel to the axis, and towards a location displaced from the ion exit aperture.

An impact ionisation spray or electrospray ionisation ion source comprising a nebuliser (30) having a first conduit (11) for providing a liquid sample and a second conduit (10) for providing a nebulisation gas in order to nebulise the liquid sample is disclosed. The first conduit (11) and second conduit (10) are of unitary construction with each other and may be made from glass. The ion source can provide a consistent and/or predictable spray profile for the nebulised sample.

An impact ionisation spray or electrospray ionisation ion source comprising a nebuliser (30) having a first conduit (11) for providing a liquid sample and a second conduit (10) for providing a nebulisation gas in order to nebulise the liquid sample is disclosed. The first conduit (11) and second conduit (10) are of unitary construction with each other and may be made from glass. The ion source can provide a consistent and/or predictable spray profile for the nebulised sample.

Certain configurations of plasma discharge chambers and plasma ionization sources comprising a plasma discharge chamber are described. In some examples, the discharge chamber comprises a conductive area and is configured to sustain a plasma discharge within the discharge chamber. In other examples, the discharge chamber comprises at least one inlet configured to receive a plasma gas and at least one outlet configured to provide ionized analyte from the discharge chamber. Systems and methods using the discharge chambers are also described.

A mass spectrometer system (10) is provided in which the voltage controller (12) can have separate first and second high-voltage control circuits (34, 40) which are physically disconnected from and at different ground planes to one another. Communication between the first and second high-voltage control circuits (34, 40) is enabled via an interface circuit (30) and one or more wireless, preferably radio-frequency, communicators (38, 44, 46, 48).