Continuous‐flow sample introduction for field desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

We introduce continuous‐flow field desorption (FD) for improved spectral quality, higher sample throughput, and simpler interface to sample handlers and chromatographic equipment. A recently developed commercial FD probe with integral fused‐silica capillary allows sample dosing in situ, without probe removal and reinsertion. A stable FD‐generated ion current can be sustained for longer than an hour by continuous deposition of analyte solution on the FD emitter heated and at high voltage. Continuous‐flow FD allows ensemble averaging of up to 100 Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR) mass spectra, in contrast to the traditional emitter dosing technique. Continuous‐flow FD is amenable to interface with liquid chromatography (LC) and/or automated sample injectors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.