| abstract |
An Electrospray Ionisation ion source and an Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation ion source are disclosed which comprise a probe 1 comprising three co-axial capillary tubes 2,3,3 ′. A blue-flame gas torch 6 is provided downstream of the probe 1 as a combustion source. An analyte solution is sprayed from an inner capillary tube 2 of the probe 1 , a combustible gas is supplied to an intermediate capillary tube 3 of the probe 1 and oxygen or air is supplied to an outer capillary tube 3 ′ of the probe 1 . The combustible gas supplies heat to aid desolvation of the droplets emerging from the probe 1 via combustion with the surrounding oxygen-containing atmosphere when combusted by the blue flame torch 6. |