| abstract |
An ion mobility spectrometer, ionization detector and mass spectrometer is described having a reaction region, and a region for introducing a sample gas, liquid or solid samples into the reaction region and an electrolyte in the reaction region of an alkali salt heated to a predetermined temperature, such as room temperature to 1000° C., to provide a chemical reaction between the alkali atoms, cations or complement anions with the sample to provide product ions. The invention provides a non-radioactive ionization source for ionization of a broad class of compounds. |