An open probe method for sample introduction into a
mass spectrometer is disclosed, comprising the steps of: loading a sample holder with sample compounds to be analyzed; heating a probe oven; introducing said sample compounds in said sample holder into said heated probe oven; flowing
inert gas into said heated probe oven; vaporizing said sample in said heated probe oven by the combined effect of oven temperature and
inert gas flow; entraining said vaporized sample in said
inert gas; and, transferring said vaporized sample in
inert gas into an
ion source of a
mass spectrometer; wherein said heated probe oven remains open to the ambient
atmosphere during sample introduction and analysis; said
inert gas is flowing in said heated probe oven in two directions of a
transfer line to a
mass spectrometer ion source and to the oven opening; said vaporized sample in
inert gas is transferred through a heated
transfer line directly into the
ionization chamber of an
ion source of a mass spectrometer. An apparatus for this method of sample introduction is also disclosed. The primary
advantage of this method and apparatus is that the heated probe oven remains open to the ambient
atmosphere during sample introduction and analysis thereby enabling faster sample analysis.