Patent Application
20140117228
Certain features, aspects and embodiments are directed to an adapter configured to permit coupling of a direct sample analysis device to an analytical instrument. In some embodiments, the adapter is configured to couple the direct sample analysis device to a mass spectrometer.
Direct sample analysis permits analysis of a sample by directly introducing the sample into an instrument. If desired, front-end chromatography separation can be omitted prior to analysis of the sample.
Certain features, aspects and embodiments described herein are directed to adapters and/or components thereof that can couple a direct sample analysis device to an analytical instrument such as, for example, a mass spectrometer. The exact configuration of the adapter an vary and in some instances, the adapter may comprise a single integral component or one or more separate components which together can function to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device to the analytical instrument.
In one aspect, an adapter for installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer is provided. In certain examples, the adapter comprises a capillary sleeve configured to couple to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, and an end cap extension configured to couple to the capillary sleeve, in which the capillary sleeve and end cap extension are configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet.
In certain embodiments, the end cap extension is configured to couple to a lens assembly. In other embodiments, the lens assembly is configured to slidingly engage to the end cap extension. In further embodiments, the end cap extension is configured to slidingly engage to the capillary sleeve. In some examples, the capillary sleeve couples to the capillary inlet through a friction fit. In additional examples, the end cap extension couples to the capillary sleeve through a friction fit. In some embodiments, the capillary sleeve comprises an insulator configured to electrically decouple the capillary sleeve from the end cap extension. In other embodiments, the capillary sleeve is further configured to center the capillary inlet. In certain examples, the end cap extension comprises an insulator configured to electrically decouple the capillary sleeve from the end cap extension. In some embodiments, the end cap extension is further configured to center the capillary inlet.
In an additional aspect, an adapter for installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer, the adapter comprising an internal sleeve configured to couple to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, an external sleeve coupled to the internal capillary sleeve, and an insulator between the internal sleeve and the external sleeve to electrically decouple the internal sleeve from the external sleeve, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet is disclosed.
In certain embodiments, the external sleeve is configured to couple to a lens assembly. In other embodiments, the lens assembly is configured to slidingly engage to the external sleeve. In further examples, the external sleeve is configured to slidingly engage to the internal sleeve. In some examples, the internal sleeve couples to the capillary inlet through a friction fit. In additional examples, the external sleeve couples to the internal sleeve through a friction fit. In some embodiments, the internal sleeve is sized and arranged to center the capillary inlet in the internal sleeve. In other embodiments, the insulator comprises at least one ceramic material. In certain examples, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device while maintaining a vacuum of the mass spectrometer. In certain examples, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device without removing any lenses of the mass spectrometer.
In another aspect, an adapter for installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer, the adapter comprising an internal coupler configured to engage a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, an external coupler sized and arranged to engage a direct sample analysis lens assembly, and an insulator between the internal coupler and the external coupler to electrically decouple the internal coupler and the external coupler, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet is provided.
In some embodiments, the external coupler is configured to engage the lens assembly through a friction fit. In other examples, the internal coupler engages the capillary inlet through a friction fit. In certain examples, the internal coupler is sized and arranged to center the capillary inlet within the internal coupler. In further examples, the insulator comprises at least one ceramic material. In certain examples, the ceramic material is one of alumina, yttria, titania or mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, each of the external coupler and the internal coupler comprises a substantially inert material. In other embodiments, the substantially inert material is a stainless steel. In some examples, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device while maintaining a vacuum of the mass spectrometer. In certain examples, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device without removing any lenses of the mass spectrometer.
In an additional aspect, an adapter for installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer, the adapter comprising a coupler sized and arranged to engage to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, the coupler comprising an internal surface configured to engage to the capillary of the capillary inlet and an external surface electrically isolated from the internal surface through an insulator, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet is described.
In certain examples, the external surface of the coupler is configured to couple to a lens assembly through a friction fit. In certain embodiments, the internal surface engages the capillary inlet through a friction fit. In certain examples, the internal surface is concentric and is sized and arranged to center the capillary inlet within the internal coupler. In some embodiments, the insulator comprises at least one ceramic material. In certain examples, the ceramic material is one of alumina, yttria, titania or mixtures thereof. In some examples, each of the external surface and the internal surface each comprise a substantially inert material. In some embodiments, the substantially inert material is a stainless steel. In other embodiments, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device while maintaining a vacuum of the mass spectrometer. In further embodiments, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device without removing any lenses of the mass spectrometer.
In another aspect, a system for performing direct sample analysis, the system comprising a direct sample analysis device, and an adapter for installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer, the adapter comprising a capillary sleeve configured to couple to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, and an end cap extension configured to couple to the capillary sleeve, in which the capillary sleeve and end cap extension are configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet is disclosed.
In certain embodiments, the end cap extension is configured to couple to a lens assembly. In other embodiments, the lens assembly is configured to slidingly engage to the end cap extension. In further embodiments, the end cap extension is configured to slidingly engage to the capillary sleeve. In additional embodiments, the capillary sleeve couples to the capillary inlet through a friction fit. In some examples, the end cap extension couples to the capillary sleeve through a friction fit. In other examples, the capillary sleeve comprises an insulator configured to electrically decouple the capillary sleeve from the end cap extension. In further examples, the capillary sleeve is further configured to center the capillary inlet. In some examples, the end cap extension comprises an insulator configured to electrically decouple the capillary sleeve from the end cap extension. In other embodiments, the end cap extension is further configured to center the capillary inlet.
In another aspect, a system for performing direct sample analysis, the system comprising a direct sample analysis device, and an adapter for installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer, the adapter comprising an internal sleeve configured to couple to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, an external sleeve coupled to the internal capillary sleeve, and an insulator between the internal sleeve and the external sleeve to electrically decouple the internal sleeve from the external sleeve, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet is provided.
In certain examples, the external sleeve is configured to couple to a lens assembly. In some examples, the lens assembly is configured to slidingly engage to the external sleeve. In other examples, the external sleeve is configured to slidingly engage to the internal sleeve. In further examples, the internal sleeve couples to the capillary inlet through a friction fit. In additional examples, the external sleeve couples to the internal sleeve through a friction fit. In some embodiments, the internal sleeve is sized and arranged to center the capillary inlet in the internal sleeve. In additional embodiments, the insulator comprises at least one ceramic material. In other examples, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device while maintaining a vacuum of the mass spectrometer. In further examples, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device without removing any lenses of the mass spectrometer.
In an additional aspect, a system for performing direct sample analysis, the system comprising a direct sample analysis device, and an adapter for installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer without breaking the vacuum of the mass spectrometer, the adapter comprising a coupler sized and arranged to engage to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, the coupler comprising an internal surface configured to engage to the capillary of the capillary inlet and an external surface electrically isolated from the internal surface through an insulator, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet is described.
In certain embodiments, the external surface of the coupler is configured to couple to the lens assembly through a friction fit. In other embodiments, the internal surface engages the capillary inlet through a friction fit. In additional embodiments, the internal surface is concentric and is sized and arranged to center the capillary inlet within the adapter. In further example, insulator comprises at least one ceramic material. In some examples, the ceramic material is one of alumina, yttria, titania or mixtures thereof. In additional examples, each of the external surface and the internal surface comprises a substantially inert material. In some examples, the substantially inert material is a stainless steel. In some embodiments, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device while maintaining a vacuum of the mass spectrometer. In certain examples, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device without removing any lenses of the mass spectrometer.
In another aspect, a method of installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer while maintaining a vacuum in the mass spectrometer, the method comprising coupling a capillary extension to the capillary inlet, and coupling an end cap extension to the coupled capillary extension, in which the coupled capillary extension and coupled capillary end cap are configured to provide fluidic coupling between a direct sample analysis sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet is provided.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises removing a capillary nozzle cap prior to coupling the capillary extension to the capillary inlet. In other embodiments, the method comprises coupling a direct sample analysis lens assembly to the coupled end cap extension. In some examples, the end cap extension comprises an insulator configured to electrically isolate the capillary extension from the end cap extension. In other examples, the capillary extension comprises an insulator configured to electrically isolate the capillary extension from the end cap extension.
In an additional aspect, a method of installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer while maintaining a vacuum in the mass spectrometer, the method comprising coupling an internal sleeve to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, and coupling an external sleeve to the coupled internal capillary sleeve, the external sleeve comprising an insulator configured to be positioned between the internal capillary sleeve and the external sleeve to electrically isolate the internal sleeve from the external sleeve, in which the coupled internal and external sleeves are configured to provide fluidic coupling between a direct sample analysis sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet is provided.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises removing a capillary nozzle cap prior to coupling the internal sleeve to the capillary inlet. In other embodiments, the method comprises coupling a lens assembly to the coupled external sleeve. In some embodiments, the external sleeve comprises an insulator configured to electrically isolate the internal sleeve from the external sleeve. In other embodiments, the internal sleeve comprises an insulator configured to electrically isolate the internal sleeve from the external sleeve.
In another aspect, a method of installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer comprising a capillary inlet while maintaining a vacuum in the mass spectrometer, the method comprising coupling an adapter comprising a coupler sized and arranged to engage to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, the coupler comprising an internal surface configured to engage to the capillary of the capillary inlet and an external surface electrically isolated from the internal surface through an insulator, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet is described.
In certain examples, the method comprises removing a capillary nozzle cap prior to coupling the internal surface to the capillary inlet. In other examples, the method comprises coupling a lens assembly to the coupled external surface. In certain embodiments, the method comprises initiating sample analysis of a sample on a direct sample analysis sample support substantially immediately after coupling the lens assembly to the external surface of the adapter. In other embodiments, the method comprises maintaining a substantially constant vacuum pressure in the mass spectrometer during the coupling of the adapter.
In another aspect, a method of coupling a direct sample analysis device to a mass spectrometer, the method comprising coupling an adapter comprising a coupler sized and arranged to engage to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer to provide fluidic coupling between the capillary inlet and a direct sample analysis sample support to permit substantially immediate sample analysis of sample on the direct sample analysis sample support after coupling of the adapter is provided.
In certain embodiments, the adapter comprises an internal sleeve, an external sleeve and an insulator between the internal sleeve and the external sleeve. In other embodiments, the method comprises maintaining an operating pressure of the mass spectrometer during coupling of the coupler to the capillary inlet. In further embodiments, the method comprises coupling a lens assembly to the coupled adapter and initiating the sample analysis substantially immediately subsequent to coupling of the lens assembly. In some examples, the method comprises configuring the adapter to comprise a separate internal coupler and a separate external coupler.
In another aspect, the adapters described herein can be packaged in the form of a kit that comprises one or more of the adapters described herein. In other embodiments, the kit may comprise two or more of the adapters described herein.
Other aspects and attributes will become apparent to those skilled in the art after review of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Certain configurations are provided below for illustrative purposes only with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
Additional features, aspects and embodiments are described in more detail below. It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that the lengths and dimensions shown in the figures are not limiting and that many different lengths and dimensions can be used depending on the size of the adapter, the system which the adapter is to be used in and other factors.
Certain embodiments of adapters are described below can include one or more components that can facilitate fluidic coupling of a direct sample analysis device to an inlet of a mass spectrometer or other analytical instrument that can receive a fluid stream. The exact configuration of the adapters including, for example, the length and width of the adapter components, size and configuration of the openings of the adapters and materials used in the adapters, or components thereof, can vary depending on the particular instrument the adapters are to be used with and/or depending on the nature of the sample to be analyzed. Where direct sample analysis is referred to below, no particular configuration of a direct sample analysis device or system is intended to be required as being necessary for properly using the adapters. For illustration purposes, some configurations of a direct sample analysis device or system are described herein. The term sample support, as used in certain instances herein, refers to a holder, device or other structure that is effective to retain a sample, for at least some period, to permit analysis of the sample. In some instances, the sample support may be configured to receive a mesh, screen or other material that is effective to receive and retain a sample for analysis.
In certain examples, the adapters described herein can be configured to slip onto a fluid inlet of an analytical device to permit coupling of one or more other components to the adapter. For example, the adapter can be sized and arranged to permit a lens assembly to be placed over the adapter while permitting fluidic coupling of a sample support to the fluid inlet. In embodiments where the fluid inlet is part of a mass spectrometer, the adapter can permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device without breaking the vacuum of the mass spectrometer. In certain embodiments, a mass spectrometer may have an operating pressure of about 10−9 Torr or less. Where existing sample introduction systems are coupled to the mass spectrometer, the vacuum seal is broken requiring pumping of the instrument back down to operating pressure and a substantial delay, e.g., about 8 hours or more, before sample can be analyzed. In addition, where capillary inlets are present, it is often required that the existing capillary be removed and replaced with a longer capillary. Replacement of the capillary with a longer one often requires removal of the source block and subsequent realignment before the instrument may be used. In certain embodiments of the adapters described herein, a direct sample analysis device can be coupled to a mass spectrometer without removal of the source block. In other embodiments of the adapter described herein, a direct sample analysis device can be coupled to a mass spectrometer without lengthening of the capillary of the capillary inlet. In further embodiments of the adapter described herein, a direct sample analysis device can be coupled to a mass spectrometer without breaking of the vacuum of the mass spectrometer. In other embodiments, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device without removing any lenses of the mass spectrometer.
In certain embodiments, an adapter comprising an internal coupler and an external coupler can be used to fluidically couple a direct sample analysis device to an analytical instrument, e.g., a mass spectrometer. Referring to
In certain examples, the internal coupler 110 and the external coupler 120 may be placed in direct contact with each other without any intervening component or device between them. In other embodiments, the internal coupler 110 and the external coupler 120 can be separated by one or more other components, e.g., a spacer or insulator. For example, a spacer can be placed between the internal coupler 110 and the external coupler 120 in instances where the internal diameter of the external coupler 120 is larger than the outer diameter of the internal coupler 110. Use of a spacer can permit physical contact of the internal coupler 110 and external coupler 120 through the spacer to provide electrical coupling between the coupler 110 and the coupler 120. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to electrically decouple the internal spacer 110 and the external spacer 120. For example and referring to
In certain embodiments, the internal coupler 210 is configured to engage the capillary inlet through a friction fit, whereas in other embodiments the internal coupler 210 can couple to the capillary inlet through threads or other fittings. In some embodiments, the internal coupler 210 can be sized and arranged to center the capillary inlet within the internal coupler 210 to provide a fluid flow path at a desired angle or plane. In some examples, the external coupler 220 may couple to the internal coupler 210 through a friction fit or through the use of threads or fittings. Similarly, the external coupler 220 can engage the lens assembly through a friction fit or through threads or other fittings. Where an insulator 215 is present, it can engage the internal coupler 210 and/or external coupler 220 through a friction fit or through threads or other fittings. In some embodiments, the insulator 215 may be produced from, or may include, any non-conductive material including, but not limited to, ceramics such as, for example, alumina, yttria, titania or mixtures thereof. As described herein, the internal and external couplers can produced with one or more substantially inert materials such as, for example, the plastics and/or stainless steel materials described herein.
In certain examples, the external surface of the internal coupler 210 can be configured as non-conductive, e.g., can include a non-conductive coating or layer that physically contacts an inner surface of the external coupler 220. In other embodiments, the internal surface of the external coupler 220 can be configured as non-conductive, e.g., can include a non-conductive coating or layer that physically contacts an outer surface of the internal coupler 210. If desired, the internal surface of the internal coupler 210 may comprises a non-conductive material or a substantially inert material, either of which can take the form of a coating or layer, to reduce the likelihood of sample contamination by the internal coupler 210. In some embodiments, the internal surface of the internal coupler 210 can be concentric and sized and arranged to center the capillary inlet within the internal coupler 210. For example, it may be desirable to align the center of the capillary inlet with the center of the adapter inlet to ensure ions traveling into the adapter inlet are provided to the capillary inlet without hitting the internal surfaces of the adapter inlet. In certain examples, the adapter need not perfectly center the capillary inlet but can place the capillary inlet substantially in the center of the adapter.
In certain embodiments, an adapter comprising a capillary sleeve and an end cap extension can be used to install a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer. Referring to
In certain examples, an end cap extension may then be coupled to the capillary sleeve, e.g., slid onto and around the capillary sleeve. Referring to
In certain embodiments, one or both of the capillary sleeve 300 and the end cap extension 510 can include an insulator to electrically decouple or isolate the capillary sleeve 300 from the end cap extension 510. For example and referring to
In certain embodiments, the adapter may be configured as a unitary device with an internal sleeve and an external sleeve. For example and referring to
In certain embodiments, the adapter comprising the sleeves can be configured to slidingly engage to a lens assembly, e.g., through a friction fit. In some embodiments, the sleeves may be configured as separate sleeves that can be coupled to each other through a friction fit by sliding the external sleeve over the internal sleeve. Where two or more sleeves are present, the internal sleeve, the external sleeve or both can be configured as substantially concentric sleeve that are effective to generally center the capillary inlet. In certain examples, the sleeves of the adapter can be coupled to the mass spectrometer without removing any lenses of the mass spectrometer. If desired, one or more insulating sleeves can be inserted between the internal sleeve and the external sleeve.
In some embodiments, coupling of the adapters and/or lens assemblies permit substantially immediate sample analysis to be initiated. For example, unlike existing devices that are used to couple a direct sample analysis device to an instrument, such as a mass spectrometer, which may require hours of pumping to reach an operating pressure, e.g., a vacuum pressure, the adapters described herein permit sample analysis to begin within about 30 seconds of coupling of the adapter, more particularly within about 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes or about 5 minutes of coupling the adapter and/or lens assembly. In some instances, after coupling of the lens assembly, a sample support comprising sample can be loaded onto a sample platform. The sample platform with coupled sample support can be lowered and translated into a position such that one or more of the apertures of the sample support are placed between an ion source, e.g., an ion gun, and an aperture or opening of the coupled lens assembly/adapter. The ion source can impact the sample and ionized sample may exit the sample support and be provided to the capillary inlet of a mass spectrometer through the aperture of the coupled lens assembly/adapter.
In certain embodiments, a system for performing direct sample analysis can include one of the adapters described herein. Referring to
In certain embodiments where the analytical device 920 takes the form of a mass spectrometer, many different types of mass analyzers can be used with the sample support holders described herein. For example, sector field mass analyzers, time of flight mass analyzers, quadrupole mass filters, ion traps, linear quadrupole ion traps, orbitraps or cyclotrons, e.g., Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance or other suitable mass analyzers can be used. As selected ions exit the mass analyzer they can be provided to a detector to detect a change in charge or a current that is produced as the ions impact or travel by a surface, for example. Illustrative detectors include, but are not limited to, electron multipliers, Faraday cups, ion-to-photon detectors, microchannel plate detectors, an inductive detector or other suitable detectors may be used. The mass spectrometer typically will include a display that can provide a spectrum for review by the user. While not described, the mass spectrometer typically would include numerous other components including a vacuum system, one or more interfaces and many other components commonly found in mass spectrometers in use.
In some embodiments, the system 900 can include the DSA device 910 and an adapter for installing the DSA device on a mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, the adapter comprises a capillary sleeve configured to couple to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, and an end cap extension configured to couple to the capillary sleeve, in which the capillary sleeve and end cap extension are configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample support of the DSA device 910 and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet. In certain examples, the end cap extension used in the system 900 can be configured to couple to a lens assembly. In some examples, the lens assembly can be configured to slidingly engage to the end cap extension. In other examples, the end cap extension can be configured to slidingly engage to the capillary sleeve. In some embodiments, the capillary sleeve couples to the capillary inlet through a friction fit. In certain instances, the end cap extension couples to the capillary sleeve through a friction fit. In certain examples, the capillary sleeve comprises an insulator configured to electrically decouple the capillary sleeve from the end cap extension. In other embodiments, the capillary sleeve is further configured to center the capillary inlet. In some examples, the end cap extension comprises an insulator configured to electrically decouple the capillary sleeve from the end cap extension. In further example, the end cap extension is further configured to center the capillary inlet.
In other embodiments, the DSA device 910 can include an adapter comprising an internal sleeve configured to couple to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, an external sleeve coupled to the internal capillary sleeve, and an insulator between the internal sleeve and the external sleeve to electrically decouple the internal sleeve from the external sleeve, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample support and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet. In some examples, the external sleeve of the adapter used in the system 900 can be configured to couple to a lens assembly. In certain examples, the lens assembly can be configured to slidingly engage to the external sleeve of the adapter. In other embodiments, the external sleeve can be configured to slidingly engage to the internal sleeve. In some examples, the internal sleeve couples to the capillary inlet through a friction fit. In some embodiments, the external sleeve couples to the internal sleeve through a friction fit. In additional examples, the internal sleeve can be sized and arranged to center the capillary inlet in the internal sleeve. In some examples, the insulator comprises at least one ceramic material. In other examples, the adapter can be configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device while maintaining a vacuum of the mass spectrometer. In some examples, the adapter can be configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device without removing any lenses of the mass spectrometer.
In certain examples, the adapter of the system 910 may comprise an adapter for installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer without breaking the vacuum of the mass spectrometer. For example, the adapter may comprises a coupler sized and arranged to engage to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer and comprising an internal surface configured to engage to the capillary of the capillary inlet and an external surface electrically isolated from the internal surface through an insulator. In some embodiments, the adapter can be configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample support, e.g., a DSA sample support, and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet. In some embodiments, the external surface of the coupler can be configured to couple to the lens assembly through a friction fit. In other embodiments, the internal surface engages the capillary inlet through a friction fit. In certain examples, the internal surface is concentric, e.g., it may be sized and arranged to center the capillary inlet within the adapter. In some embodiments, the insulator comprises at least one ceramic material. In other embodiments, the ceramic material is one of alumina, yttria, titania or mixtures thereof. In further examples, each of the external surface and the internal surface comprises a substantially inert material. In some examples, the substantially inert material is a stainless steel. In other embodiments, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device while maintaining a vacuum of the mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, the adapter is configured to permit coupling of the direct sample analysis device without removing any lenses of the mass spectrometer.
In certain embodiments, the adapters described herein can be used to permit exchange of an existing ionization device in a mass spectrometer with a direct sample analysis device. For example, one or more ionization systems commonly used in a mass spectrometer can be removed and replaced with a direct sample analysis device. Illustrative types of ionization devices that can be replaced with a direct sample analysis device include, but are not limited to, devices including a source selected from an electron ionization source (ESI), a chemical ionization source, an electrospray ionization source, an atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization source, a plasma (e.g., inductively coupled plasma), glow discharge sources, field desorption sources, fast atom bombardment sources, thermospray sources, desorption/ionization on silicon sources, secondary ion mass spectrometry sources, spark ionization sources, thermal ionization sources, ion attachment ionization sources, photoionization or other suitable ion sources. Referring to
In certain embodiments, once the lens assembly is installed, the system is ready to analyze sample by direct sample analysis. Referring to
In a typical sampling operation, the sample can be added to the sample support, e.g., either directly or by suspending the sample in a liquid or dissolving the sample in a solvent, where it is retained at least for a sufficient period to permit analysis of the sample. Where the sample is a solid, it may be crushed, pulverized, homogenized or otherwise rendered into powder or crystalline form to be loaded onto the sample support. A diluent or carrier can be added to the powder to clump or agglomerate the powder to facilitate loading onto the sample support. Where diluents or carriers are used, suitable materials are selected so they do not create species that may interfere with any analysis of the sample. Where the sample is a liquid, it may be sprayed on, dropped on, pipetted on or otherwise introduced onto the sample support. In some embodiments, the sample support can be dipped into a liquid or liquids to load the samples onto the sample support. For example, the sample support can be configured with individual sections that are separated by openings and configured to be dipped or disposed into an individual receptacle, e.g., an individual microwell, to permit dipping of the sample support into a plurality of wells in a microwell plate. Such sample supports would permit automated sample loading and decrease the overall time needed to load samples onto the sample support.
In certain embodiments, the adapters and components of the adapters described herein can be produced using one or more suitable materials that are generally inert so as to not substantially interfere with, or contaminate, any sample analysis. In some embodiments, the materials may be, or may include, one or more plastic materials including thermoplastics and thermosets. In some embodiments, the plastic material desirably has a melting temperature of greater than 250 degrees Celsius, more particularly greater than 300 degrees Celsius. In certain embodiments, any one or more of the adapter components herein can include a thermoplastic comprising an acrylic polymer, a fluoroplastic polymer, a polyoxymethylene polymer, a polyacrylate polymer, a polycarbonate polymer, a polyethylene terephthalate polymer, a polyester polymer, a polyetheretherketone polymer, a polyamide polymer, a polyimide polymer, a polyamide-imide polymer, a polyaryletherketone polymer or combinations and copolymers thereof. If desired metallic or conductive particles can be included in the thermoplastic to facilitate electrical coupling of the sample support to an electrical ground. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic used is substantially transparent when viewed with the human eye to facilitate, for example, coupling of the adapter to the capillary housing. In certain embodiments, the components of the adapters can be produced using one or more substantially inert metal materials including, for example, Inconel® alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, stainless steels, refractories or other suitable materials that include metals and which are substantially inert in the use environment of the adapters.
In certain embodiments, some components of adapters can be produced using materials other than inert materials if desired. For example, portions of the adapters may generally be out of the fluid stream that contacts the sample and can be produced using materials other than non-inert materials. If desired, the different components of the adapters can be produced using different materials. Where an insulator is present in the adapters to electrically isolate the internal coupler or sleeve from the external coupler or sleeve, the insulator may be any nonconductive material and is desirably a substantially inert nonconductive material to avoid any contamination of the sample. Illustrative insulating materials include non-conductive materials, ceramics such as, for example, alumina, yttria, titania, machinable ceramics, non-machinable ceramics or other suitable ceramics and other suitable insulating materials. In some embodiments, the components of the adapters described herein can include a material that can withstand a cleaning operation such as, for example, sonication, solvent washes or other cleaners can be used to clean and/or remove any residue from the adapters prior to reuse. In some configurations, the materials of the adapters can withstand such washing steps and substantially no deterioration occurs after washing.
In certain embodiments, the adapters, or components of the adapters, described herein can be packaged or grouped into a kit. In some examples, a kit comprises an adapter comprising a capillary sleeve configured to couple to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, and an end cap extension configured to couple to the capillary sleeve, in which the capillary sleeve and end cap extension are configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet. In other examples, a kit comprises an adapter comprising an internal sleeve configured to couple to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, an external sleeve coupled to the internal capillary sleeve, and an insulator between the internal sleeve and the external sleeve to electrically decouple the internal sleeve from the external sleeve, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet. In some embodiments, a kit comprises an adapter comprising an internal coupler configured to engage a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, an external coupler sized and arranged to engage a direct sample analysis lens assembly, and an insulator between the internal coupler and the external coupler to electrically decouple the internal coupler and the external coupler, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet. In other examples, a kit comprises a coupler sized and arranged to engage to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, the coupler comprising an internal surface configured to engage to the capillary of the capillary inlet and an external surface electrically isolated from the internal surface through an insulator, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample holder and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet. If desired, the kit can include two or more different adapters that can be used to couple a direct sample analysis device to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer.
In certain examples, a method of installing a direct sample analysis device on a mass spectrometer while maintaining a vacuum in the mass spectrometer is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises coupling a capillary extension to the capillary inlet, and coupling an end cap extension to the coupled capillary extension, in which the coupled capillary extension and coupled capillary end cap are configured to provide fluidic coupling between a direct sample analysis sample support and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet. In some examples, the method comprises removing a capillary nozzle cap prior to coupling the capillary extension to the capillary inlet. In certain embodiments, the method comprises coupling a direct sample analysis lens assembly to the coupled end cap extension. In additional embodiments, the end cap extension comprises an insulator configured to electrically isolate the capillary extension from the end cap extension. In further embodiments, the capillary extension comprises an insulator configured to electrically isolate the capillary extension from the end cap extension.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises coupling an internal sleeve to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, and coupling an external sleeve to the coupled internal capillary sleeve, the external sleeve comprising an insulator configured to be positioned between the internal capillary sleeve and the external sleeve to electrically isolate the internal sleeve from the external sleeve, in which the coupled internal and external sleeves are configured to provide fluidic coupling between a direct sample analysis sample support and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet. In some examples, the method comprises removing a capillary nozzle cap prior to coupling the internal sleeve to the capillary inlet. In other examples, the method comprises coupling a lens assembly to the coupled external sleeve. In additional examples, the external sleeve comprises an insulator configured to electrically isolate the internal sleeve from the external sleeve. In some embodiments, the internal sleeve comprises an insulator configured to electrically isolate the internal sleeve from the external sleeve.
In some examples, the method comprises coupling an adapter comprising a coupler sized and arranged to engage to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer, the coupler comprising an internal surface configured to engage to the capillary of the capillary inlet and an external surface electrically isolated from the internal surface through an insulator, in which the adapter is configured to provide fluidic coupling between a sample support and the mass spectrometer through the capillary inlet. In certain examples, the method comprises removing a capillary nozzle cap prior to coupling the internal surface to the capillary inlet. In other examples, the method comprises coupling a lens assembly to the coupled external surface. In additional embodiments, the method comprises initiating sample analysis of a sample on a direct sample analysis sample support substantially immediately after coupling the lens assembly to the external surface of the adapter. In additional embodiments, the method comprises maintaining a substantially constant vacuum pressure in the mass spectrometer during the coupling of the adapter.
In certain embodiments, a method of coupling a direct sample analysis device to a mass spectrometer is disclosed. In certain examples, the method comprises coupling an adapter comprising a coupler sized and arranged to engage to a capillary inlet of the mass spectrometer to provide fluidic coupling between the capillary inlet and a direct sample analysis sample support to permit substantially immediate sample analysis of sample on the direct sample analysis sample support after coupling of the adapter. In certain examples, the adapter comprises an internal sleeve, an external sleeve and an insulator between the internal sleeve and the external sleeve. In some embodiments, the method comprises maintaining an operating pressure of the mass spectrometer during coupling of the coupler to the capillary inlet. In other embodiments, the method comprises coupling a lens assembly to the coupled adapter and initiating the sample analysis substantially immediately subsequent to coupling of the lens assembly. In certain examples, the method comprises configuring the adapter to comprise a separate internal coupler and a separate external coupler.
When introducing elements of the aspects, embodiments and examples disclosed herein, the articles “a,” “an,” “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that various components of the examples can be interchanged or substituted with various components in other examples.
Although certain aspects, examples and embodiments have been described above, it will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that additions, substitutions, modifications, and alterations of the disclosed illustrative aspects, examples and embodiments are possible.
