| abstract |
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed, for example, to a liquid matrix assisted laser desorption / ionization (MALDI) method used in infrared (IR) liquid MALDI mass spectrometry (MS), preferably using a time-of-flight (TOF) instrument. , An improved ion source target suitable for use with a liquid matrix (eg, glycerin and lactic acid). The improved target comprises: (a) a target plate (3) having an outwardly facing surface made for use in an ion source; and (b) (i) a sample cavity formed in the outwardly facing surface. Part (4) having a sample cavity mouth and a sample cavity volume and adapted to receive a liquid sample (5); and (ii) a perforated sample cavity shield ( 1) having a shielded sample cavity having a shield covering the sample cavity opening and having one or more exit holes through which ions formed in the sample cavity can escape or extract. The present invention also relates to an ion source, a mass spectrometer, a MALDI method and a mass spectrometry using the above-mentioned improved ion source target. |