Increasing the rate of sample vaporization in an open air desorption ionization source by using a heated metal screen as a sample holder

Rapid vaporization of sample into the ionizing gas exiting a direct analysis in real time (DARTW) source has been enabled by directing a high electrical current through a metal wire screen to which sample has been applied. This direct heating of the screen enables rapid vaporization of sample as the wire temperature rises from room temperature to greater than 400 degrees C in less than 20s. Positioning the screen between the DART source and atmospheric pressure inlet of the mass spectrometer ensures that the ionizing gas is in close proximity to the sample molecules, resulting in efficient ionization while significantly reducing the time required for mass spectrometric analysis. The capability to modulate the electrical current flow through the wires facilitates either rapid desorption for the determination of single component samples or slower desorption where analysis of mixtures might be desired. The technology also enables deployment of strategies for the determination of chemicals present as powders that might otherwise require dissolution prior to analysis. Results from the use of this thermally assisted DART ('TA-DART') system for the analysis of pure compounds, simple mixtures, solids and low vapor pressure samples are presented. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.