System for optimizing alignment of laser beam with selected points on samples in maldi mass spectrometer

Abstract

A mass spectrometry apparatus uses image processing of output signals of a camera in a mass spectrometer to provide feedback for directing the laser. The present invention provides for the determination of where samples have actually been deposited on a plate, and for the selection of different points for each sample, based on its structure, at which to aim a laser, during the cycle period of the mass spectrometer. Such feedback information increases the likelihood that the laser impinges samples and provides useful data.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 901,254 entitled “System for Optimizing Alignment of Laser Beam with Selected Points on Samples in MALDI Mass Spectrometer”, filed Jul. 27, 2004, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 835,814, filed Apr. 17, 2001, granted Oct. 12, 2004 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,804,410, entitled “System for Optimizing Alignment of Laser Beam with Selected Points on Samples in MALDI Mass Spectrometer”, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving mass spectrometry analysis of samples. Specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass spectrometry analysis which allows for more precise alignment of a laser with samples, as well as for selection of impingement point(s) on each sample ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach significantly enhances the accuracy of mass spectrometry analysis, increasing the reliability and efficiency of data collection while reducing research costs by ensuring the laser impinges the correct sample areas, thereby improving the quality of data obtained.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, there are several shortcomings associated with the above-described robotic apparatus.

In addition, the crystalline structures of the samples can affect the manner in which they are deposited on the sample plate and therefore cause a certain degree of offset from the actual area of deposit for a sample and the target area for the sample plate.

If the laser does not impinge samples due to the afore-mentioned inaccuracies in depositing the samples on the sample plate, most of the data collected during this time-consuming process can be worthless.

Mass spectrometers, however, are very expensive.

Acquiring and operating several mass spectrometers at one time in an attempt to collect more data increases research costs considerably.

Furthermore, a statistical average of as much as 50% of the data collected by the multiple mass spectrometers is essentially useless for the reasons stated above (i.e., from laser emissions that did not actually impinge samples 16).

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