T. Musapelo, K.K. Murray, Size distributions of ambient shock-generated particles: implications for inlet ionization, Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom.27 (2013) 1283โ€“1286. doi:10.1002/rcm.6568.

Abstract

Modified mousetrap used to create shock-generated particles from thin film deposits.
Modified mousetrap used to create shock-generated particles from thin film deposits.

In this work, the scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) particle measurement system was used to measure the size distribution of particles produced under conditions of matrix-assisted inlet ionization. A simple spring impact device was used to strike solid matrix and analyte samples deposited on a metal target. The resulting particles were counted and sized using the SMPS sizing instrument in tandem with the APS instrument. The size and concentration of particles in the range between 10 nm and 20 ยตm were measured.