Apparatus and method for preparing samples for ionization by laser desorption in a mass spectrometer

摘要

Disclosed is a device for preparing samples for ionization by means of laser desorption, in particular MALDI, comprising a sample carrier assembly having an area which has a field of sites for the absorption of substances, and an outer contour framing the sample site field, and a planar cover such is flush or can be placed on the framing outer contour, that a shielded gas space between the cover and the surface is formed, and having a field of openings, which is arranged so that an opening comes to lie above an associated sample point. In order to be able to apply sensitive substances with low protective gas expenditure on the sample carrier, a gas delivery device to the sample support assembly and cover is provided by means of a protective gas is introduced into the shielded gas space between the cover and surface, so that in the gas space, a protective gas atmosphere is created protects the substances to be applied to the sample sites from atmospheric influences. Furthermore, an associated method will be described.