The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use with a mass
spectrometer. The multimode ionization source of the present invention
provides one or more atmospheric pressure ionization sources (e.g.,
electrospray, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and/or atmospheric
pressure photoionization) for ionizing molecules. A method of producing
ions using the multimode ionization source is also disclosed. The
apparatus and method provide the advantages of the combined ion sources
without the inherent disadvantages of the individual sources. In an
embodiment, the multimode ionization source includes an infrared emitter
enclosed in an inner chamber for drying a charged aerosol. ESI/APCI
multimode sources may include a corona needle shield and/or an auxiliary
electrode.