Gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer interface

A gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer interface for obtaining a mass spectrometer sample from the effluent of a gas chromatograph. The sample obtained in accordance with the present invention is essentially devoid of any carrier gas. A recording medium is located within a housing into which the effluent from the gas chromatograph is introduced. The temperature of the recording medium is below the freezing point of the sample portion of the effluent, such that the sample portion will freeze on the recording medium. A pressure regulator maintains a positive pressure within the housing to facilitate removal of the carrier gas portion of the effluent. The recording medium is transported within the housing during the freezing process such that different components of the sample are deposited on different portions of the recording medium. The sample is released from the recording medium for introduction into the mass spectrometer by heating the recording medium.