Automatic cleaning of MALDI ion sources

US7989762B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bruker Daltonik GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Armin Holle · Oyten, DE
• Jens Hörndorf · Bremen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 9, 2009
• Grant date: Aug 2, 2011
• Expiry date: Dec 19, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B08B7/0042
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

In an ion source that generates ions by matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI), ion acceleration diaphragms having apertures though which ions are accelerated and which have become contaminated by matrix material, are cleaned by temporarily heating the diaphragms. During the cleaning process, the sample support plate is moved aside but remains in the ion source housing, and the heating is preferably limited to regions surrounding the apertures in the diaphragms. In one embodiment, the diaphragms are heated by irradiation generated by infrared laser diodes.