Nanoparticulate assisted nanoscale molecular imaging by mass spectrometry

Abstract

Methods and devices for mass spectrometry are described, specifically the use of nanoparticulate implantation as a matrix for secondary ion and more generally secondary particles. A photon beam source or a nanoparticulate beam source can be used a desorption source or a primary ion/primary particle source.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An analytical instrument for the characterization and analysis of a sample comprising:
 a sample stage for positioning a sample;   a nanoparticulate beam source positioned to deliver a nanoparticulate beam to a sample on said sample stage;   a nanofocused primary particle beam source or a nanofocused photon beam source, or both, said beam source positioned to deliver a beam to said sample; and,   an analyzer positioned to analyze material or photons emitted from said sample.