Fig. 1: t-MALDI-P source schematic and build.

a Schematic showing the optical and analyte paths of the t-MALDI-P setup, including optical microscopy (i, ii, iii), laser path including beam shaping (vi, vii, ii, iii), analyte desorption (iv) and ion generation using cold-plasmas (v). Ions generated by the SICRIT plasma device are then drawn into the mass spectrometer for detection. b Images showing a microglia cell sample, and a laser ablation array as viewed through the onboard microscopy camera optic. Precise piezoelectric stage movements allow for spot size to be roughly estimated from the lateral movement distance. c Physical build of the source depicting the components listed in (a). d Close-up view of the sample stage and components, showing the direction of the laser (purple arrow) and the direction of the ions through the heated capillary (red arrow).