NANOTIP ION SOURCES AND METHODS

The present disclosure generally relates in certain embodiments to the creation of ionized molecules, e.g., for detection in a mass spectrometer, or for other uses such as lithography, sputtering machines, propulsion etc. Some embodiments include an ion source comprising a capillary tip that may allow for direct ion evaporation of samples with an applied electric field. In some cases, the tip may have an opening with a cross-section less than 100 nm. In addition, certain aspects are directed to using a capillary tip that allow for detection of samples (e.g. amino acids), and in some cases allows for sequencing. For instance, some embodiments are directed to allowing single ions and ionic clusters to be evaporated at a high rate directly from aqueous samples in a mass spectrometer. Other aspects are directed to methods for making or using such ionized molecules, methods for making or using devices to create such ionized molecules, or the like.