Fundamental studies with a monodisperse aerosol-based liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry interface (MAGIC-LC/MS). Final progress report, December 1, 1989--December 31, 1992

One of the most dramatic developments in mass spectrometry in the last fifteen years has been the evolution of versatile and powerful interfacing approaches that allow direct chromatographic coupling of separations techniques to mass spectrometers. The most successful of these approaches have been aerosol-based. This report describes the research carried out under DOE support directed toward fundamental studies with the Particle Beam LC/MS interface (also known as the MAGIC LC/MS interface). The primary goal has been to gain a better understanding of aerosol generation, transport, vaporization, and ionization processes which forms the basis of the technique. Gaining a deeper understanding of the basic physical processes on which particle Beam LC/MS is based provides the most direct way to improve performance benchmarks, such as (1) detection limits (2) quality of mass spectra (3) range of compound types possible, and (4) the ability to interface with all types of separation techniques. This research effort has been devoted to developing a fundamental understanding of the basic physical process which underlie aerosol mass spectrometry interfacing approaches. The paper describes chromatographic peak broadening studies and carrier effects with the particle beam interface