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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Atmospheric-pressure Molecular Imaging of Biological Tissues and Biofilms by LAESI Mass Spectrometry
Published on: September 3, 2010
Field-based ion generation from microscale emitters on natural and artificial objects for atmospheric pressure mass
Alexander Pirkl1, Klaus Dreisewerd, Joanne Y Yew
1Integrierte Funktionelle Genomik, Interdisziplinäres Zentrum für Klinische Forschung, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
Field-based ion generation is described for ambient mass spectrometry. The technique allows the analysis of endogenously expressed chemicals and exogenously applied compounds directly from the cuticle of live insects in real time. Cuticular hairs serve as electric field-enhancing structures and play a key role in ion generation. Artificial emitters such as graphite whiskers or sharp metal tips replicate this effect.
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