The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use with a mass
spectrometry system. The invention provides an ion source for providing
radiative heating to an ionization region. The ion source includes a
nanospray ionization device for producing ions and a conduit adjacent to
the ionization device for receiving ions from the ionization device. The
conduit includes a conductive material for providing indirect radiative
heating to the ionization region. Direct radiative heating may also be
provided using a heater in the conduit. The ion source may be used
separately or in conjunction with the mass spectrometry system. When used
in conjunction with a mass spectrometry system a detector may also be
employed down stream from the device. A method for desolvating an analyte
using the device is also disclosed.