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An unexpected ionization process was recently discovered for use in mass spectrometry in which no added energy is required to convert condensed-phase molecules to ESI-like gas-phase ions. This process offers the opportunity to greatly simplify ionization and reduce energy requirements for use with portable mass spectrometers. Here we designed and constructed minimal ion sources specifically for the new ionization methods, and demonstrate conversion of compounds directly to gas-phase ions with high sensitivity using matrix-assisted ionization without a laser, voltage, or heat. A variety of inlets and sample supports were tested for sample introduction with this minimalistic source, include a contactless ‘vacuum cleaner’ approach for analyzing samples as well as laser ablation for high spatial resolution. The analysis is astonishingly simple and the mass spectra surprisingly free of background ions. Analytes tested range from small molecules (e.g. drugs) to nonvolatile compounds (e.g. proteins). These developments are potentially useful in a variety of vendor-independent applications, especially where simplicity, miniaturization, or automation are desirable attributes.

Atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) mass spectrometry is an effective means for rapidly analyzing liquids, solids, or material surfaces by direct introduction into an atmospheric pressure (AP) ionization source. A sample is typically placed on the exterior of a disposable melting point tube and the hot gas from a heated electrospray ionization probe or an AP chemical ionization probe is used to vaporize the sample prior to ionization. While the method is operationally simple and effective, the requirement of a heated gas increases the complexity and expense of the ionization method, especially for applications requiring portability. Here we demonstrate a simple instrument independent source design which uses an infrared lamp (IR) to achieve sample evaporation prior to gas-phase discharge ionization. By miniaturizing the ionization chamber and vaporizing the sample in close proximity to the entrance aperture of the mass spectrometer, mass spectra are generated similar to the ASAP method, but without need for gas flow. The IR lamp can be switched on only when sample is present for more energy efficiency. Using similar amounts of sample, some compounds are more readily observed using the new approach while with others, dimer formation and oxidation are more prevalent.