System for optimizing alignment of laser beam with selected points on samples in maldi mass spectrometer
First Claim
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1. A mass spectrometry apparatus comprising:
- a laser for emitting a laser beam;
a controller for aiming said laser beam at a sample on a sample plate for mass spectrometry analysis;
a camera having a field of view comprising the sample on the sample plate, said laser targeting a portion of the sample for laser impingement;
a processing device configured to;
receive an image of the sample from said camera;
analyze the image of the sample to generate control signals for use by said controller to direct the manner in which said laser beam impinges said sample plate and the sample;
said processing device being operable to;
identify locations on the sample based on an evaluation of characteristics of the sample; and
provide position data in said control signals that correspond to said locations; and
wherein said position data is for said controller to aim said laser at said locations for laser impingement.
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Abstract
A mass spectrometry apparatus uses image processing of output signals of a camera in a mass spectrometer to provide feedback for directing the laser. The present invention provides for the determination of where samples have actually been deposited on a plate, and for the selection of different points for each sample, based on its structure, at which to aim a laser, during the cycle period of the mass spectrometer. Such feedback information increases the likelihood that the laser impinges samples and provides useful data.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A mass spectrometry apparatus comprising:
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a laser for emitting a laser beam; a controller for aiming said laser beam at a sample on a sample plate for mass spectrometry analysis; a camera having a field of view comprising the sample on the sample plate, said laser targeting a portion of the sample for laser impingement; a processing device configured to; receive an image of the sample from said camera; analyze the image of the sample to generate control signals for use by said controller to direct the manner in which said laser beam impinges said sample plate and the sample; said processing device being operable to;
identify locations on the sample based on an evaluation of characteristics of the sample; and
provide position data in said control signals that correspond to said locations; andwherein said position data is for said controller to aim said laser at said locations for laser impingement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification