Question

How does a vacuum MALDI ion source work?

Answer 1

In a vacuum MALDI ion source terminology, a high molecular weight sample is a ionised using laser energy absorbing matrix.

It avoids fragmantation of the molecules.

There are three steps;

1. Sample is mixed with a suitable matrix applied on a plate.

2. Laser source is aplied where the sample and matrix mplecules are removed from the plate.

3. The analyte molecules are ionised by protonation or deprotonation in a flame and then further accelarated to suitable mass spectrometer.

In a vacuum MALDI the ions are poroduced under vacuum.