An electrospray ionization device incorporates a shaped thin film with a
microfluidic channel. The device may be interfaced to a time-of-flight
mass spectrometer (TFOMS). In one embodiment, the shaped thin film has a
polygonal-shaped or triangle-shaped thin polymer tip formed by
lithography and etching. The microfluidic channel is approximately 20
micrometer wide and 10 micrometers deep, and embossed in a substrate
using a silicon master. The shaped thin film is aligned with the channel
and bonded between the channel substrate and a flat plate to create a
microfluidic channel with a wicking tip protruding from the end of the
channel. Application of a high voltage at one end of the channel creates
an electrospray from the tip, which is provided to the TFOMS.