AP-MALDI target illumination device and method for using an AP-MALDI target illumination device

摘要

An atmospheric pressure MALDI (AP-MALDI) apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a laser beam is reflected from a surface on an ion transfer interface between an analyte target and a mass analyzer. After reflection, the laser beam irradiates the target, which may be disposed on a target substrate. An embodiment includes using a reflective surface on the interface also for viewing the target and, e.g., by means of signals from a processor, adjusting the relative position of the target substrate and the laser beam. The apparatus can also be operated at pressures that are less than or greater than atmospheric.