The invention provides devices, device configurations and methods for improved sensitivity, detection level and efficiency in
mass spectrometry particularly as applied to biological molecules, including biological polymers, such as proteins and nucleic acids. In one aspect, the invention relates to charged droplet sources and their use as
ion sources and as components in
ion sources. In another aspect, the invention relates to charged droplet traps and their use as
ion sources and as elements of ion sources. Further, the invention relates to the use of aerodynamic lenses for high efficiency ion transport to a charge particle analyzer, particularly a
mass analyzer. Devices of this invention allow
mass spectral analysis of a single charged droplet. The ion sources of this invention can be combined with any charge
particle detector or
mass analyzer, but are a particularly benefit when used in combination with a
time of flight mass
spectrometer.