Integrated monolithic microfabricated electrospray and liquid chromatography system and method
US6417510B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/255
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A mass spectrometric analysis system is disclosed. The system preferably includes a microfabricated electrospray device formed at least in part by reactive-ion etching and a mass spectrometer which includes a sampling orifice. The electrospray device preferably includes at least one nozzle integrated in a substrate for ejecting at least one analyte at the mass spectrometer and at least one electrode for applying at least one electric potential for generating and controlling an electric field at the nozzle to direct the analyte ejected from the nozzle into the sampling orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is silicon. In another preferred embodiment, the system also includes an array of nozzles positioned such that an electrospray ejected from each nozzle sprays directly into the mass spectrometer sampling orifice with no translational movement of the electrospray device after initial positioning. In a third preferred embodiment, the system includes controlling circuitry which is integrated on the substrate. In yet another embodiment, the system also includes an external means of translating the microfabricated electrospray device from one position to another position. T…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.