Ion source

An ion source is a device or system used to generate ions, which are atoms or molecules that have lost or gained one or more electrons, resulting in a net electric charge. Ion sources are crucial components in a variety of applications, including mass spectrometry, particle accelerators, and nuclear fusion research, among others.

Ambient ionization is a technique used in mass spectrometry that allows for the analysis of samples in their native states, without the need for extensive preparation or modification. This method enables the ionization of molecules directly from their environment, which can include solid, liquid, or even gaseous samples.

Atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) is a technique used in mass spectrometry for the ionization of chemical compounds. It operates at atmospheric pressure, making it different from other ionization techniques like electron impact ionization or laser ablation, which might require vacuum conditions.

Atmospheric-pressure laser ionization (APLI) is an analytical technique used to generate and detect ions from analytes (compounds of interest) at or near atmospheric pressure, typically for the purpose of mass spectrometry. This method allows for the direct ionization of samples without the need for advanced vacuum systems or complex ionization conditions that are typical in traditional mass spectrometric techniques. **Key aspects of Atmospheric-pressure laser ionization include:** 1.

Chemi-ionization is a process in which a chemical reaction results in the formation of ions. This typically occurs when an excited state of a molecule, often produced by a chemical reaction or energy transfer, interacts with another molecule, leading to the removal of an electron and the generation of ions. In many cases, chemi-ionization can happen as a result of a reaction between atoms or molecules that produces energy sufficient to ionize one of the reacting species.

Chemical ionization (CI) is a soft ionization technique used in mass spectrometry that enables the ionization of molecules with minimal fragmentation. In CI, a reagent gas (commonly methane, isobutane, or ammonia) is ionized through electron impact or another ionization method to produce ion species. These ions then interact with the analyte molecules, resulting in the formation of ionized species of the analyte.

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) is an ambient mass spectrometry technique that allows for the direct analysis of solid or liquid samples without the need for extensive sample preparation. DESI combines aspects of desorption and electrospray ionization, enabling the rapid characterization of various materials, such as biological tissues, pharmaceuticals, and environmental samples, directly in their native state.

Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) is an analytical technique primarily used in mass spectrometry for the rapid analysis of various samples, including solids and liquids. It allows for the direct ionization of materials without the need for extensive sample preparation, making it particularly useful for applications in fields such as chemistry, pharmaceuticals, forensics, and food safety.

A Duoplasmatron is a type of ion source used primarily in the field of mass spectrometry and ion beam technology. It is designed to produce a well-defined beam of ions, often for applications such as material analysis, ion implantation, and surface modification. The Duoplasmatron operates by creating a plasma from a gas (typically a noble gas like argon) using an electric arc. This plasma consists of charged particles, including ions and electrons.

Electron capture ionization (ECI) is a process in mass spectrometry and other forms of analytical chemistry where an electron is captured by an atom or molecule, typically resulting in the formation of a positively charged ion. This ionization technique is distinct from other ionization methods as it involves the interaction of low-energy electrons with neutral species.

Electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) is a phenomenon that occurs when charged particles, such as electrons, move in a magnetic field and absorb energy from an electromagnetic wave at a specific frequency. This frequency corresponds to the cyclotron frequency of the particles, which is determined by the strength of the magnetic field and the mass and charge of the electrons.

Electron ionization (EI) is a technique commonly used in mass spectrometry for ionizing chemical species. In this process, a sample is bombarded with high-energy electrons, typically with energies around 70 electron volts (eV). The interaction between the incoming electrons and the molecules of the sample causes the molecules to lose an electron, resulting in the formation of positively charged ions.

Electrospray ionization (ESI) is a soft ionization technique commonly used in mass spectrometry to produce ions from large biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, without causing significant fragmentation. The technique involves the generation of charged droplets from a solution containing the analyte, which are then evaporated to produce gas-phase ions.

Electrostatic spray ionization (ESI) is a soft ionization technique commonly used in mass spectrometry to produce ions from liquid samples. ESI is particularly effective for analyzing large biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, as well as small organic molecules. In the ESI process, a liquid sample is typically introduced into a nebulizer, where it is atomized into a fine mist of charged droplets through the application of a high voltage.

Extractive electrospray ionization (EESI) is an ionization technique used in mass spectrometry that allows for the analysis of liquid samples directly without the need for extensive sample preparation. It is particularly useful for analyzing samples in their native liquid state, making it a powerful tool for various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science. In EESI, a sample solution is introduced to an electrospray setup where a high-voltage electric field is applied.

Fast Atom Bombardment (FAB) is a technique used in mass spectrometry for the ionization of samples, particularly those that are non-volatile and thermally labile. Unlike traditional ionization methods, FAB allows the analysis of larger biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, and other complex organic compounds. In the FAB process, a sample is typically dissolved in a suitable solvent and then bombarded with a beam of energetic atoms, often xenon or argon.

Field desorption (FD) is an analytical technique used in mass spectrometry to produce gas-phase ions from solid samples. This method involves subjecting the sample to a strong electric field, which facilitates the desorption of ions from the surface of the material. In field desorption, a sample is typically placed on a conductive surface, and a high voltage is applied to create an intense electric field.

Glow discharge is a physical phenomenon that occurs in gases when they are subjected to an electric field. It is characterized by the production of a visible glow as a result of ionization of the gas. Here’s a detailed overview of glow discharge: ### Mechanism 1. **Gas Ionization**: When a voltage is applied across two electrodes in a low-pressure gas, the electric field can accelerate free electrons. These energetic electrons collide with gas atoms, ionizing them by knocking out additional electrons.

Laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) is an advanced analytical technique used primarily in mass spectrometry for the direct analysis of materials. This method combines two powerful techniques: laser ablation and electrospray ionization, allowing for the rapid and sensitive analysis of solid and semi-solid samples.

Laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD) is a technique used primarily in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry for the desorption and ionization of sample analytes. This method utilizes the focused energy from a laser diode to heat a sample material, causing the analytes to desorb from the surface of a solid or liquid matrix into the gas phase. ### Key Components of LDTD: 1. **Laser Diode**: A laser device that emits light at specific wavelengths.

Laser spray ionization is an analytical technique that combines laser-induced processes with spray-based methods to generate ions for mass spectrometry and other analytical applications. This method is often employed in the analysis of complex biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, and other substances that may be difficult to ionize using traditional techniques. Here’s a brief overview of how laser spray ionization works: 1. **Sample Preparation**: The sample, often in solution, is introduced into a spraying device that generates a fine mist or aerosol.

A Liquid Metal Ion Source (LMIS) is a type of ion source used primarily in various applications such as mass spectrometry, focused ion beam (FIB) systems, and ion implantation. The LMIS generates ions by the field evaporation or field ionization of a liquid metal that is contained in a small source chamber.

A Main Magnetic Focus Ion Source (MMFIS) is a type of ion source used in particle accelerators and various scientific applications. This type of ion source typically uses magnetic fields to focus and control the ion beam produced. Key features and principles of MMFIS include: 1. **Magnetic Focusing**: The magnetic field configuration is designed to focus the ion beam, ensuring that ions are tightly controllable and directed, which is crucial for maintaining beam quality and intensity.

Matrix-assisted ionization generally refers to a technique used in mass spectrometry, particularly in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). MALDI is a soft ionization method that allows for the analysis of large biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and polymers, by converting them into ions without causing significant fragmentation.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is a soft ionization technique used in mass spectrometry (MS) to analyze biomolecules, polymers, and other complex molecules. This technique allows for the generation of ions from larger, thermally sensitive molecules without causing fragmentation, making it particularly useful for analyzing proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and large organic compounds.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (MALDI-ESI) is a mass spectrometry technique that combines two powerful ionization methods: matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI). This hybrid technique is utilized to analyze a wide range of biomolecules, including proteins, peptides, and other large biomolecular complexes.

Paper spray ionization is a novel mass spectrometry technique used for the direct analysis of various types of samples, including biological fluids, pharmaceuticals, and environmental samples. It is particularly advantageous for its simplicity, speed, and the ability to analyze samples with minimal preparation. In this method, a piece of absorbent paper is used as the substrate for the sample. Here’s how the process generally works: 1. **Sample Application**: The sample is applied onto the surface of the paper.

Plasma afterglow refers to the phenomenon observed in low-temperature plasma discharges, such as those found in gas discharge lamps and plasma processing systems, where the plasma emits light and energy for a brief period after the power source has been turned off or reduced. This afterglow is primarily due to the relaxation processes of excited atoms and molecules within the plasma. When the plasma is active, gas particles become ionized and excited due to energy input from an electric field or other sources.

Soft laser desorption is a technique used in mass spectrometry and analytical chemistry to ionize and analyze biomolecules, particularly large and fragile molecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and other complex compounds. This method involves the use of a laser beam to gently desorb ions from a sample surface without causing significant fragmentation of the molecules.

Spark ionization is a process that involves the formation of ions in a gas when it is exposed to a strong electric field, often resulting in the generation of a spark. This phenomenon occurs when the electric field strength exceeds a certain threshold, known as the breakdown voltage, causing the gas molecules to become ionized.

Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) is a technique used in mass spectrometry for the analysis of biomolecules and other compounds. It is a variation of the widely known laser desorption/ionization methods, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), but utilizes a solid surface rather than a matrix.

Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) is an analytical technique that is primarily used in mass spectrometry for the analysis of biomolecules, including proteins, peptides, and other organic compounds. It combines the principles of laser desorption/ionization with surface enhancement techniques to improve the sensitivity and specificity of mass spectrometric analyses.

Thermospray is a technique used primarily in the field of materials science and surface engineering for the application of coatings. It involves the use of thermal spray processes to produce a coating by melting a material and then spraying it onto a substrate. The material can be in the form of a powder or wire, which is heated to a molten state in a spray gun and then propelled onto the surface to form a layer.