[Studies on a modified plasma spray LC/MS device].
A probe device for LC/MS interface for a sector type mass spectrometer by VG Analytical Ltd. is described. The probe capillary for introduction of LC eluent to the ion source has a coaxial structure, ie. outer and inner capillary. The outer capillary is made of stainless steel to heat the probe, while the inner fused silica capillary has the role of insulating the eluent from the high voltage of the ion source. This prevents the eluent from excess electric charge which causes discharge of ions and disturbs MS experiments. The device also contributes to easy management and quick diagnosis as the structure of the probe is simple compared to the original and the duplicate structure of the capillaries make it possible to examine the probe facilities without taking off the interface from the ion source. The cleaning of the probe is also easily accomplished by the use of another fused silica capillary.