The present invention relates to an apparatus for delivering ions to a
vacuum chamber. The apparatus comprises an ionization chamber, an
ionization region within the ionization chamber, a vacuum interface at a
vacuum interface voltage and a vacuum chamber, wherein the ionization
chamber communicates with the vacuum chamber through the vacuum
interface. Sample is introduced into the ionization chamber from an
electrospray assembly at approximately ground potential. Two electrodes
are provided within the chamber such that three electric fields are
generated, a first field extending from the electrospray assembly to the
first electrode, a second field extending from the second electrode to
the first electrode, and a third field extending from the second
electrode to the vacuum interface. Ions are forced to travel through the
fields in order before entering the vacuum chamber. In addition, the
invention provides a method of delivering ions to a vacuum chamber.