A method of analysis using mass spectrometry or ion mobility spectrometry that includes producing ions from a sample in a proximity of the sample, transferring the produced ions from the sample to a distance with a flexible or re-configurable ion guide, the flexible or re-configurable ion guide being connected to RF voltages, and separating the produced ions with a mass to charge or mobility analyzer located at the distance to provide spectrometric results； and detecting the separated ions with at least one detector.
