COSAM » Departments » Chemistry & Biochemistry » Facilities » massspec » Learn about mass spectrometry » MALDI-TOF » Sample Introduction

The sample inlet of a Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight mass spectrometer is a metal target plate which is inserted into the instrument.
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Photo credit: K. Murray  removed vendor logo
The sample is mixed with another compound (matrix) and allowed to dry on the target.  Notice the letters and numbers etched into the metal to provide the position of the sample on the plate.  Matrix and sample are present in Position A1 of the picture.
The instrument we are taking apart has a hinged opening that the sample target is inserted into using tweezers.
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When the door is open, the sample inlet is at atmospheric pressure (defined as 1013.25 mbar, 102.325 kPa, 760 mmHg (torr), 14.696 psi). wikipedia
After inserting the target, closing the door, and pressing the target in/out button on the front of the instrument (red arrow in picture), the pressure at the inlet lowers and a vacuum is created.  The target moves to the ion source.
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Last Updated: 01/07/2020