Ambient ionization mass spectrometry(AIMS)has emerged as a prominent research focus in the mass spectrometry field over the past two decades. Its major breakthroughs and advancements have ushered mass spectrometry analysis into a new era of in situ real-time, rapid, and high-efficiency analysis. Based on 1 180 publications from the web of science core collection(2000—2024), this study conducted a visualized bibliometric analysis using Cite Space and VOS Viewer to examine annual publication trends, collaborative research networks, journal co-citation patterns, and keyword distributions. Focusing on abused drug detection applications, the keyword clustering analysis highlights the exceptional advantages of AIMS in on-site identification of seized narcotics, particularly new psychoactive substances(NPS), development of portable and miniaturized devices, and rapid screening analysis. The findings demonstrate AIMS' outstanding capabilities in field detection scenarios requiring instant response and high-throughput analysis.