A simple electrospray interface based on a DC ion carpet

•A simple electrospray interface consisting of a long drift region followed by a DC ion carpet is described.•The performance is optimized by trajectory calculations and experiments.•Trajectory calculations indicate >90% transmission efficiency for thermalized ions.•m/z discrimination at the DC ion carpet is minimized.

We describe a simple electrospray interface incorporating a long drift region and a DC ion carpet. The function of the drift region is to thermalize and desolvate the ions. It has a series of ring electrodes supplied with RF and DC voltages, which radially confine and transport ions towards the DC ion carpet. The DC ion carpet consists of a series of concentric rings on a planar printed circuit board, which provide a DC potential gradient that funnels ions through a central aperture. The design and operating parameters were optimized by trajectory calculations and experiments. According to calculations, the transmission efficiency for thermalized ions exceeds 90%, and there is little m/z discrimination at the exit aperture.

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