High temperature activation of emitters for field ionization and field desorption mass spectrometry

Abstract

A method is described for producing microneedles on field anodes. Field pyrolysis of benzonitrile causes the growth of these needles at a temperature of about 1200 degrees C. They yield optimal emission qualities for field-ionization and -desorption mass spectrometry. The needles prove to be resistant to chemical attack as well as thermal and mechanical stress.