title: Easy dual-mode ambient mass spectrometry with Venturi self-pumping, canned air, disposable parts and voltage-free sonic-spray ionization.
abstract: An exceptionally easy to assemble source for ambient mass spectrometry is described. Based on Venturi easy ambient sonic-spray ionization (V-EASI), the source was further simplified by the use of a can of compressed air which simultaneously provides solution or solvent Venturi self-pumping and continuous, stable and abundant low-noise ion signal via voltage-free sonic-spraying. Further simplification was also attained by the use of inexpensive and readily commercially available parts: a surgical 2-way catheter, an aerosol can of compressed air, a 30 cm long fused-silica capillary and a hypodermic needle. This "Spartan" V-EASI source seems to offer one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make ions for ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analysis of both liquid and solid samples.
authors.affiliation: ThoMSon mass spectrometry laboratory, University of Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Nicolas V
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Schwab
authors.forename: Andreia M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Porcari
authors.forename: Mirela B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Coelho
authors.forename: Eduardo M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: Jose L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Jara
authors.forename: Jesui V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Visentainer
authors.forename: Marcos N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Eberlin