What is MALDI?

MALDI means matrix assisted laser desorption ionization, which is an ion source. the principle of MALDI is as follows: 1. an organic, crystalline matrix is added in excess to the sample. 2. the sample is irradiated by a laser. 3. there is vaporization of the analyte molecules. 4. the analyte molecules are ionized. 5. single ion images are generated.