Visualization of Ambient Mass Spectrometry with the Use of Schlieren Photography

Summary

This paper presents a protocol for the visualization of gaseous streams of an ambient ionization source using schlieren photography and mass spectrometry.

Abstract

This manuscript outlines how to visualize mass spectrometry ambient ionization sources using schlieren photography. In order to properly optimize the mass spectrometer, it is necessary to characterize and understand the physical principles of the source. Most commercial ambient ionization sources utilize jets of nitrogen, helium, or atmospheric air to facilitate the ionization of the analyte. As a consequence, schlieren photography can be used to visualize the gas streams by exploiting the differences in refractive index between the streams and ambient air for visualization in real time. The basic setup requires a camera, mirror, flashlight, and razor blade. When properly configured, a real time image of the source is observed by watching its reflection. This allows for insight into the mechanism of action in the source, and pathways to its optimization can be elucidated. Light is shed on an otherwise invisible situation.

Introduction

Mass Spectrometry, an analytical tool available for molecular mass identification, has become one of the most powerful analytical techniques to date. Over the last decade a whole host of new ambient ionization sources have become available for mass spectrometry detection. For the data collected in this manuscript, the Direct Sample Analysis (DSA) source was utilized. Although these sources are extremely versatile, a more detailed knowledge of the physical ionization process is needed for its optimization and extension of purpose. The aim of this experiment is to gain a better understanding of the ionization process within the ambient sources through visualization of t....

Protocol

1. Schlieren Photography

1. Establishment of the Test Region
   Note: The test region exists directly in front of the mirror.
   1. Clamp a spherical concave mirror (150 mm diameter, focal length 1,500 mm) in a ring stand clamp large enough to support the mirror. Attach the ring stand clamp with the mirror to a ring stand perpendicular to the floor. The current study used a 3 foot ring stand, but any height can be used as long as it is tall enough to be able to center the mirror in the viewing window of the source.
   2. Place the ring stand and mirror to the side of the mass spectrometer source. Make the face ....

Results

A schematic of the schlieren setup including the mass spectrometry ionization source can be found in Figure 1. When all schlieren components are properly aligned, gases within the test region can be seen as contrasting dark and light regions. Figure 2 illustrates how this contrast can be used to observe how the shape of the nitrogen jet flow from the mass spectrometry source changes as nozzle size decreases.

Discussion

There are several considerations which must be addressed prior to attempting this protocol. In addition to the space around the mass spectrometer for the source and mirror, enough open space must be available to accommodate the distance of twice the focal point of the mirror. Furthermore, the size of the mirror is ultimately decided by the size of the source that is under study. If the mirror is too small, the source will not be fully visualized. It is important to note that some, if not all, of the source covers must be.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Flashlight	EAGTAC	D25A Ti	or equivalent
Spherical Concave Mirror	Anchor Optics	27633
Rebel EOS T2i	Canon	4462B001	or equivalent
300 mm telephoto lens	Canon	6473A003	or equivalent
Direct Sample Analysis (DSA) Ionization Source	PerkinElmer	MZ300560	or equivalent
Sq 300 MS with SQ Driver Software	PerkinElmer	N2910801	or equivalent
Ring Stand	Fisher Scientific	11-474-207	or equivalent
Laser Pointer	Apollo	MP1200	or equivalent
razor blade	Blue Hawk	34112	or equivalent
small drill bit #73	CML Supply	503-273	or equivalent
Protractor	Sterling	582	or equivalent
Hose Clamp	Trident	720-6000L	or equivalent