The LMIS technique originated in the development of colloid thruster spacecraft propulsion systems.
Research beginning in the early 1960s showed that liquid metal can generate large numbers of ions.
Initially, in the development of this technique, the liquid metal was supplied by a capillary tube.
For this method a thin-film of liquid metal is allowed to flow to the apex of a sharp needle.
The ions are then accelerated to an energy of 1–50 keV and focused onto the sample with electrostatic lenses.