Method and apparatus for producing a discrete droplet for subsequent analysis or manipulation
US7785897B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/24
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for producing a discrete particle for subsequent analysis (such as mass spectrometry) or manipulation is disclosed. A discrete particle is generated by a particle generator. A net charge is induced onto the particle by an induction electrode. The particle is delivered to a levitation device where it is then electrodynamically levitated. If the particle is a droplet, desolvation will occur, leading to Coloumbic fissioning of the droplet into smaller droplets. The movement of the levitated droplet(s) can be manipulated by an electrode assembly. The droplet(s), and the charge thereon, can be delivered to a mass spectrometer in one aspect of the invention, providing an ion source for mass spectrometry without the detrimental space charge effects of electrospray ionization techniques. In another aspect of the invention, the levitated particle(s) may be controllably and precisely deposited onto a plate for subsequent analysis by matrix assisted laser desorption and ionization mass spectrometry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.