A Gas-Dynamic Interface of the Sandwich Type for Measuring the Elemental Composition of a Sample Using the ERIAD Method (Electrospray with In-source Atomization)

Abstract

A model of a gas-dynamic interface with a high-vacuum ion-pulling system has been developed. The main part of the ion source is the ERIAD electrospray with in-source atomization (ion extraction from solution elements at atmospheric pressure), owing to which it is possible to measure concentrations of elements that are capable of being cations in a solution. The interface is constructed according to the Kontrovitsa–Gray type with a slight misalignment of the inlet and outlet. From the gas-dynamic point of view, the interface is “long,” since its length is several times longer than the resulting “Mach barrel.” Tests have shown that the interface circuit allows application of a voltage as high as 800 V between the nozzle and the skimmer, thus providing atomization of elements of not only the first, but also the second group of elements of the periodic system. The developed interface model can be used as a prototype for upgrading dual-focusing mass spectrometers for future elemental measurements.