Protein microscope
US7735146B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J49/0004
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for analyzing and imaging a sample containing molecules of interest combines modified MALDI mass spectrometer and SNOM devices and techniques, and includes: (A) an atmospheric-pressure or near-atmospheric-pressure ionization region; (B) a sample holder for holding the sample; (C) a laser for illuminating said sample; (D) a mass spectrometer having at least one evacuated vacuum chamber; (E) an atmospheric pressure interface connecting said ionization region and said mass spectrometer; (F) a scanning near-field optical microscopy instrument comprising a near-field probe for scanning the sample; a vacuum capillary nozzle for sucking in particles which are desorbed by said laser, the nozzle being connected to an inlet orifice of said atmospheric pressure interface; a scanner platform connected to the sample holder, the platform being movable to a distance within a near-field distance of the probe; and a controller for maintaining distance information about a current distance between said probe and said sample; (G) a recording device for recording topography and mass spectrum measurements made during scanning of the sample with the near-field probe; (H) a plotting de…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.