CHROMATOGRAPHY, Vol. 27 (2006), No. 2, pp. 81-84
Technical Review
Designing a Novel Ion Source for Producing Ions Simultaneously by Electrospray and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization
Masamitsu Okawara1*, Hiroki Kumagai1, Steven M. Fischer2, Patricia H. Cormia2, Darrell L. Gourley2 and Glen F. Ingle2
1Yokogawa Analytical Systems Inc., 9−1 Takakuracho, Hachioji, 192−0033, Japan
2Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Abstract:
Electrospray (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) are two very different ionization processes with a common element
of forming ions at atmospheric pressure. An experimental ion source, which efficiently and simultaneously produces both ESI and APCI ions,
was constructed using a single ionization chamber and nebulizer. Designing a multimode ion source capable of simultaneous ESI/APCI operation
presented many challenges. The most significant challenges were to simultaneously generate therequired electric fields to produce ESI
and APCI ions and provide sufficient drying without physically contacting the charged ESI aerosol. The multimode source developed addresses
theses issues in a unique fashion that allows for both types of ions to be produced from a single nebulizer at effectively the same time.
