Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Visualization of Ambient Mass Spectrometry with the Use of Schlieren Photography
Published on: June 20, 2016
Plasma-based ambient mass spectrometry techniques: The current status and future prospective
1Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Analytical Testing Center and College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Plasma-based ambient mass spectrometry (MS) offers direct sample analysis using low-energy plasma ionization. This review covers key concepts, methods, and applications for diverse sample types, highlighting its potential in qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Plasma-based ambient mass spectrometry (MS) is an emerging technology for direct sample analysis.
- It utilizes low-energy plasma as an ionization reagent, enabling rapid and sensitive detection.
- Existing ambient MS sources are classified by plasma formation: corona discharge, glow discharge, dielectric barrier discharge, and microwave-induced discharge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of plasma-based ambient MS techniques.
- To discuss the key concepts, mechanisms, and diverse applications of these methods.
- To explore the challenges and future outlook of plasma-based ambient MS.
Main Methods:
- Review of various plasma generation approaches (corona, glow, dielectric barrier, microwave-induced discharge).
- Analysis of sample types amenable to direct detection, including biological, pharmaceutical, food, and chemical materials.
- Evaluation of the qualitative and semi-quantitative capabilities of plasma-based ambient MS.
Main Results:
- Plasma-based ambient MS techniques enable pretreatment-free detection of a wide range of samples.
- Applications span biological materials, pharmaceuticals, food, polymers, and chemical reagents.
- These methods are effective for qualitative analysis and semi-quantitation.
Conclusions:
- Plasma-based ambient MS is a versatile frontier technology with broad applicability.
- Further research is needed to address current challenges and optimize performance.
- The outlook for plasma-based ambient MS in direct sample analysis is promising.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...

