Ionization system, mass spectrometry system and sample introduction method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to an ionization system, a mass spectrometry system and a sample introduction method thereof. The ionization system includes a laser ablation device, a microwave plasma torch and a connecting tube. The laser ablation device is used to perform laser desorption on the sample, so that the sample produces a fine-particle aerosol; the microwave plasma torch includes a matrix tube, a tuning element, a microwave component and an igniter, wherein the matrix tube is used to introduce the fine-particle aerosol and the carrier gas, the microwave component is used to transmit microwave energy, and the igniter is used to generate a plasma torch at the open end of the microwave plasma torch, so that the fine-particle aerosol and the charged particles are converted into ions; one end of the connecting tube is connected to the laser ablation device, and the other end is connected to the matrix tube, and the connecting tube is used to introduce the fine-particle aerosol and the carrier gas output by the laser ablation device into the matrix tube. The ionization system, mass spectrometry system and sample introduction method thereof provided in the present application can solve the problem of complex sample introduction in traditional ionization spectrum analysis technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ionization mass spectrometry analysis, and in particular to an ionization system, a mass spectrometry analysis system and a sample introduction method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the field of ionization mass spectrometry, direct ionization technology represented by atmospheric pressure ionization source is an innovative development in the field of mass spectrometry in recent decades, and has shown very important influence and research value in many disciplines. Atmospheric pressure desorption ionization source and coupled mass spectrometer technology have become the most commonly used ionization mass spectrometry technology in recent years. Nowadays, the most commonly used ionization mass spectrometry technology for elemental analysis is ICP-MS, i.e. inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Among them, ICP is Inductively Coupled Plasma, i.e. inductively coupled plasma, which is an analytical technology developed in 1980 for the study of elements and isotope ratios. However, the sample introduction technology of ICP-MS has always been a difficult problem that researchers have been unable to overcome. The traditional sample introduction technology is mainly a pneumatic atomization device, but the pneumatic atomization method greatly reduces the analytical sensitivity of ICP-MS. Therefore, researchers have developed new sample introduction techniques, such as electrothermal evaporation, chemical vapor generation, high performance liquid chromatography, and hydride generator sample introduction techniques. However, these methods require complex processing procedures. Therefore, how to simplify the sample introduction method is still an urgent problem that researchers need to solve. At present, the new laser ablation sample introduction device has been rapidly developed. When used in conjunction with ICP-MS, it can quickly analyze the elements in the sample. However, laser ablation will enrich light-weight isotopes while desorbing the sample. These enriched light-weight isotopes pass through the ICP ion source and are then detected by the mass spectrometer, thereby reducing the accuracy of LA-ICP-MS in elemental analysis.

[0003] Therefore, the traditional ionization mass spectrometry analysis technology has the problem of complex sample processing process. Although the new laser ablation device makes sample introduction simple, the problem of light-mass isotope enrichment it brings cannot be solved by ICP-MS. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide an ionization system, a mass spectrometry system and a sample introduction method thereof in view of the problems of complex sample processing in the traditional ionization mass spectrometry analysis technology and the light mass isotope enrichment problem in LA-ICPMS.

[0005] An ionization system comprising:

[0006] A laser ablation device, used for laser desorption of the sample to generate fine aerosol and charged particles from the sample, wherein the laser ablation device is provided with a carrier gas pipeline for introducing carrier gas;

[0007] A microwave plasma torch comprises a rectangular tube, a tuning element, a microwave assembly and an igniter, wherein the rectangular tube is used to introduce the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas, the microwave assembly is used to generate microwave energy and form a microwave resonant cavity with the rectangular tube, and the igniter is used to convert the fine aerosol and the charged particles into plasma; wherein,

[0008] The rectangular tube comprises an open end for outputting the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas, and the tuning element is used to adjust the electric field intensity, magnetic field intensity and microwave reflection power of the open end;

[0009] A connecting tube, one end of which is connected to the laser ablation device, and the other end of which is connected to the rectangular tube. The connecting tube is used to introduce the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas output by the laser ablation device into the rectangular tube.

[0010] The present application provides an ionization system, including a laser ablation device, a microwave plasma torch and a connecting tube. The connecting tube is used to connect the laser ablation device and the microwave plasma torch. The laser ablation device is used to desorb the sample so that the sample produces fine aerosol and charged particles. The laser ablation device is provided with a carrier gas pipeline for introducing carrier gas. The microwave plasma torch includes a torch tube, a tuning element, a microwave component and an igniter. The torch tube is used to introduce the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas. The microwave component is used to generate microwave energy and transmit the microwave energy to the rectangular tube. The torch tube includes an open end, and the open end is used to output the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas. The igniter is used to touch the open end to form a plasma torch to convert the fine aerosol and the charged particles into ions, and the ions are provided for mass spectrometry analysis by the staff. The ionization system provided in the present application can perform laser desorption on the sample, so that the sample forms fine aerosol and charged particles, and then the fine aerosol and the charged particles are ionized in the plasma torch generated by the joint action of the tuning element, the igniter and the microwave component. The ionization system provided in the present application is easy to operate and can simplify the sample pretreatment process. Therefore, the ionization system provided in the present application can solve the problem of complex sample processing process in traditional ionization mass spectrometry analysis technology, and at the same time, the use of a microwave plasma torch as an ion source for desorption can solve the problem of light-mass isotope enrichment caused by laser ablation.

[0011] In one embodiment, the laser ablation device comprises:

[0012] Laser ablation device body;

[0013] An ablation shell, comprising a side ablation shell and a bottom ablation shell, wherein the side ablation shell and the bottom ablation shell surround an open space; wherein the ablation shell is provided with the carrier gas pipeline, and the carrier gas pipeline is used to introduce the carrier gas;

[0014] A cover plate, mounted on the ablation shell and surrounded by the ablation shell to form an ablation cavity;

[0015] A stage, received in the ablation chamber and mounted on the inner wall of the ablation chamber, the stage being used to place the sample;

[0016] A laser, mounted on the laser ablation device body, with the central axis of the laser coinciding with the central axis of the stage, and the laser is used to emit laser light;

[0017] A lens, the edge of which is mounted on the body of the laser ablation device, and the central axis of the lens coincides with the central axis of the stage, and the lens is used to focus the laser; and the cover plate is used to focus the laser output from the lens.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rectangular tube comprises:

[0019] an inner tube, connected to the connecting tube, for introducing the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas;

[0020] A middle pipe, sleeved and installed on the outside of the inner pipe, for introducing maintenance gas;

[0021] The outer tube is sleeved and installed on the outside of the middle tube, and a through hole is opened on the outer tube.

[0022] In one embodiment, the microwave assembly further comprises:

[0023] A microwave power source for generating microwave energy;

[0024] A microwave transmitter is connected to the middle tube through the through hole, and is used to receive the microwave energy and transmit the microwave energy to the middle tube and the working gas, so that the open end converts the fine aerosol and the charged particles into ions when touched by the igniter; wherein the working gas is composed of the carrier gas and the maintaining gas.

[0025] In one embodiment, the microwave transmitter comprises:

[0026] A coupling ring is sleeved and installed on the outside of the middle tube;

[0027] A microwave transmission line, one end of which passes through the through hole and is connected to the coupling ring, and the other end of which is connected to the microwave power source. The microwave transmission line is used to receive the microwave energy and transmit the microwave energy to the coupling ring so that the microwave energy is transmitted to the middle tube and the working gas.

[0028] In one embodiment, a sealing ring is further provided on the through hole to seal the gap between the microwave transmission line and the outer tube.

[0029] In one embodiment, the middle tube is further connected to a maintenance gas input tube for introducing the maintenance gas into the middle tube.

[0030] In one embodiment, the connecting pipe comprises:

[0031] An air outlet pipe, one end of which is connected to the ablation shell to communicate with the ablation cavity, and the air outlet pipe is used to output the carrier gas, the fine aerosol and the charged particles in the ablation cavity;

[0032] A switching valve, one end of the switching valve is connected to the other end of the air outlet pipe, and the other end of the switching valve is connected to one end of the inner pipe.

[0033] In one embodiment, the tuning element comprises:

[0034] A tuning spiral ring is sleeved and installed on the outer surface of the middle tube and is arranged at one end of the middle tube close to the laser ablation device, and the tuning spiral ring is used to tune the electric field intensity, magnetic field intensity and microwave reflection power of the open end;

[0035] A fixing piece is arranged on the middle tube and matched with the tuning screw ring so that the tuning screw ring can be stably mounted on the outer surface of the middle tube.

[0036] In one embodiment, the igniter comprises:

[0037] A metal conductor is used to touch the open end of the microwave plasma torch to generate a plasma torch.

[0038] A mass spectrometry system, comprising the ionization system as described in any one of the above items, further comprising:

[0039] A mass spectrometer, used for performing mass spectrometry analysis on the ions; wherein,

[0040] The mass spectrometer comprises a mass spectrometer port, and the mass spectrometer port is used for receiving the ions.

[0041] A method for sample introduction using the ionization system as described above, characterized in that it comprises:

[0042] S100, continuously introducing carrier gas from the carrier gas pipeline into the ablation cavity, and introducing the carrier gas into the inner tube through the connecting tube, and continuously introducing maintenance gas from the maintenance gas input tube;

[0043] S200, generating microwave energy by a microwave power source, and transmitting the microwave energy to the middle tube and the working gas by a microwave transmitter, wherein the working gas includes the carrier gas and the maintenance gas;

[0044] S300, performing laser ablation on the sample by a laser ablation device, so that the sample generates fine aerosol and charged particles, and the fine aerosol and the charged particles are introduced into the inner tube through the connecting tube;

[0045] S400, the igniter 240 ignites the open end of the microwave plasma torch to generate plasma, so as to convert the charged particles into ions and ionize the fine aerosol into ions, wherein the ions are used for mass spectrometry analysis.

[0046] In one embodiment, before S200, the method further includes:

[0047] S110 , inputting the maintenance gas into the middle tube 213 through the maintenance gas input pipe 218 .

[0048] In one embodiment, before S400, the method further includes:

[0049] S310 , adjusting the electric field intensity, magnetic field intensity and microwave reflection power of the open end 211 through the tuning element 220 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an ionization system provided for one embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a mass spectrometry analysis system provided for one embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Figure 3 A schematic flow chart of a sample introduction method provided for one embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Description of Figure Numbers

[0054] Ionization system 10

[0055] Laser ablation device 100

[0056] Carrier gas pipeline 110

[0057] Laser ablation device body 120

[0058] Ablation shell 130

[0059] Side ablation housing 131

[0060] Bottom ablation shell 132

[0061] Intake pipe 133

[0062] Cover 134

[0063] Ablation cavity 135

[0064] Stage 136

[0065] Laser 140

[0066] Lens 150

[0067] Microwave Plasma Torch 200

[0068] Rectangular tube 210

[0069] Open end 211

[0070] Inner tube 212

[0071] Medium pipe 213

[0072] Outer tube 214

[0073] Through hole 215

[0074] Microwave resonant cavity 216

[0075] Seal 217

[0076] Maintain gas inlet tube 218

[0077] Tuning Components 220

[0078] Tuning screw 221

[0079] Fixing 222

[0080] Microwave components 230

[0081] Microwave power source 231

[0082] Microwave transmitter 232

[0083] Microwave transmission line 233

[0084] Coupling ring 234

[0085] Igniter 240

[0086] Metal conductor 241

[0087] Pilot 242

[0088] Connecting pipe 300

[0089] Exhaust pipe 310

[0090] Transfer valve 320

[0091] Mass spectrometry system 20

[0092] Mass Spectrometer 400

[0093] Mass spectrometer port 410 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] Traditional ionization mass spectrometry analysis technology has problems with complex sample processing and light mass isotope enrichment in LA-ICP-MS. Based on this, the present application provides an ionization system, a mass spectrometry analysis system and a sample introduction method thereof.

[0095] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present application, so the present application is not limited by the specific implementation disclosed below.

[0096] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time.

[0097] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0098] See also Figure 1 The present application provides an ionization system 10 , including a laser ablation device 100 , a microwave plasma torch 200 and a connecting tube 300 .

[0099] The laser ablation device 100 is used to perform laser desorption on the sample, so that the sample generates fine aerosol and charged particles. The laser ablation device 100 is provided with a carrier gas pipeline 110, and the carrier gas pipeline 110 is used to introduce a carrier gas. The carrier gas can be an inert gas such as argon, helium or nitrogen, which can be selected according to actual needs and is not limited in this application.

[0100] The laser desorption is used to generate fine aerosol and charged particles after laser desorption of the sample. The laser ablation device 100 can select any tool that can perform laser desorption on the sample, and can be selected according to actual needs, which is not limited in this application. In one embodiment, the laser ablation device 100 includes a laser ablation device body 120, an ablation shell 130, a cover plate 134, a stage 146, a laser 140 and a lens 150.

[0101] The ablation shell 130 includes a side ablation shell 131 and a bottom ablation shell 132, and the side ablation shell 131 and the bottom ablation shell 132 surround an open space; wherein the ablation shell 130 is provided with the carrier gas pipeline 110, and the carrier gas pipeline 110 is used to introduce the carrier gas. The material and shape of the ablation shell 130 can be selected according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit it. The diameter size of the carrier gas pipeline 110 and the installation position on the ablation shell 130 can be selected according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit it.

[0102] The cover plate 134 is mounted on the ablation housing 130 and surrounds the ablation housing 130 to form an ablation cavity 135. In one embodiment, the cover plate 134 is made of quartz glass. The size of the ablation cavity 135 can be selected according to actual needs and is not limited in this application.

[0103] The stage 136 is received in the ablation cavity 135 and mounted on the inner wall of the ablation cavity 135. The stage 136 is used to place the sample. The stage 136 can be movably mounted on the inner wall of the ablation cavity 135, or fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the ablation cavity 135. The specific mounting method can be selected according to actual needs and is not limited in this application.

[0104] The laser 140 is mounted on the laser ablation device body 120, and the central axis of the laser 140 coincides with the central axis of the stage 136. The laser 140 is used to emit laser light. The laser 140 can use a nanosecond, femtosecond or picosecond laser as the laser source for sample desorption. The specific laser source can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not limit it. When the ionization system 10 is working, the angle between the laser 140 and the vertical direction is a, where 0° <a<180°。

[0105] The edge of the lens 150 is mounted on the laser ablation device body 120, and the central axis of the lens 150 coincides with the central axis of the stage 136. The lens 150 is used to focus the laser; the cover plate 134 is used to focus the laser output from the lens 150. When the laser 140 emits a single laser beam, the dispersed laser is focused once by the lens 150, and after being focused twice by the cover plate 134, the laser desorbs the sample. In one embodiment, the lens 150 is a convex lens.

[0106] The microwave plasma torch 200 includes a rectangular tube 210, a tuning element 220, a microwave assembly 230 and an igniter 240. The rectangular tube 210 is used to introduce the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas, and the microwave assembly 230 is used to generate microwave energy and form a microwave resonant cavity 216 with the rectangular tube 210. It can also be said that the microwave assembly 230 can form a microwave resonant cavity 216 and generate microwave energy, and transmit the microwave energy. The igniter 240 is used to convert the fine aerosol and the charged particles into ions. The rectangular tube 210 includes an open end 211, and the open end 211 is used to output the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas. The tuning element 220 is used to adjust the electric field strength, magnetic field strength and microwave reflection power of the open end 211.

[0107] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the igniter 240 is a metal conductor 241, and the metal conductor 241 can be a Tesla coil, and / or a conductor Tesla coil, and / or a conductor wire. In one embodiment, the rectangular tube 210 includes an inner tube 212, a middle tube 213 and an outer tube 214. The inner tube 212 is connected to the connecting tube 300 for introducing the fine-particle aerosol. The middle tube 213 is sleeved and installed on the outside of the inner tube 212. The outer tube 214 is sleeved and installed on the outside of the middle tube 213, and a through hole 215 is provided on the outer tube 214. The materials, lengths, and inner diameters of the inner tube 212, the middle tube 213, and the outer tube 214 can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not limit them.

[0108] Researchers can use a Tesla coil to briefly promote discharge between the middle tube 213 and the open end 211 of the inner tube 212, or use a conductive Tesla coil or a conductive metal wire to briefly connect the ignition of the middle tube 213 and the open end 211 of the inner tube 212, and then convert the fine aerosol and the charged particles into ions under the action of the torch flame.

[0109] One end of the connecting tube 300 is connected to the laser ablation device 100, and the other end is connected to the rectangular tube 210. The connecting tube 300 is used to introduce the fine aerosol, charged particles and the carrier gas output by the laser ablation device 100 into the rectangular tube 210. It can be understood that before the laser ablation device 100 performs laser ablation on the sample, the carrier gas needs to be continuously input into the ablation cavity 135. That is, the carrier gas is introduced into the ablation cavity 135 from the carrier gas pipeline 110. The carrier gas can be argon, helium or nitrogen, and the carrier gas can carry the fine aerosol desorbed by laser into the rectangular tube 210.

[0110] The present embodiment provides an ionization system 10, comprising the laser ablation device 100, the microwave plasma torch 200 and the connecting pipe 300. The connecting pipe 300 is used to connect the laser ablation device 100 and the microwave plasma torch 200. The laser ablation device 100 is used to desorb the sample so that the sample generates fine aerosol and charged particles. The laser ablation device 100 is provided with the carrier gas pipeline 110 for introducing the carrier gas. The microwave plasma torch 200 comprises the torch tube 210, the tuning element 220, the microwave assembly 230 and the igniter 240. The torch tube 210 is used to introduce the fine aerosol, charged particles and the carrier gas, and the microwave assembly 230 is used to generate microwave energy and transmit it. The torch tube 210 includes the open end 211, and the open end 211 is used to output the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas. The igniter 240 is used to discharge the Tesla coil between the middle tube 213 and the open end 211 of the inner tube 212, or to ignite the middle tube 213 and the open end 211 of the inner tube 212 briefly by using a conductor Tesla coil or a conductor wire to generate a plasma torch, and then the fine aerosol and the charged particles are converted into ions under the action of the torch flame for mass spectrometry analysis by the staff. The ionization system 10 provided in the present application can perform laser desorption on the sample to form a fine aerosol, and then, under the joint action of the tuning element 220 and the microwave assembly 230, the igniter 240 converts the microwave energy and the working gas into a plasma torch through the action of complex electric and magnetic fields. The ionization system 10 provided in this embodiment is easy to operate and can simplify the process of sample ionization. Therefore, the ionization system 10 provided in this embodiment can solve the problem of complex sample introduction in traditional ionization mass spectrometry analysis technology and the problem of light-mass isotope enrichment generated during laser ablation.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present application, the microwave component 230 also includes a microwave power source 231 and a microwave transmitter 232. The microwave power source 231 is used to generate microwave energy. The model and specification of the microwave power source 231 can be selected according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit it. In one embodiment, when the microwave frequency emitted by the microwave power source 231 is 30w to 50w, the ionization system 10 can ionize organic matter and analyze it by a mass spectrometry system. In one embodiment, when the microwave frequency emitted by the microwave power source 231 is greater than 150w, the ionization system 10 can ionize inorganic matter and analyze it by a mass spectrometry system.

[0112] The microwave transmitter 232 is connected to the middle tube 213 through the through hole 215, and is used to receive the microwave and transmit the microwave to the middle tube 213, so that a microwave resonant cavity 216 is formed between the middle tube 213 and the outer tube 214. In one embodiment, the microwave transmitter 232 includes a coupling ring 234 and a microwave transmission line 233. The coupling ring 234 is sleeved and installed on the outside of the middle tube 213. In one embodiment, the coupling ring 234 is a metal ring, which is sleeved and installed on the outside of the middle tube 213. In one embodiment, the coupling ring 234 can be an iron ring. One end of the microwave transmission line 233 is connected to the coupling ring 234 through the through hole 215, and the other end is connected to the microwave power source 231. The microwave transmission line 233 is used to receive the microwave energy and transmit the microwave energy to the coupling ring 234, so that the microwave resonant cavity 216 is formed between the middle tube 213 and the outer tube 214. The length, type and material of the microwave transmission line 233 can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not limit it. In one embodiment of this application, a sealing ring 217 is also provided on the through hole 215 to seal the gap between the microwave transmission line 233 and the outer tube 214. The sealing ring 217 can be a rubber ring, or a bolt and nut that can be tightly installed with the outer tube 214. The sealing ring 217 is conducive to better forming the microwave resonance cavity 216.

[0113] In one embodiment of the present application, the middle tube 213 is also connected to a maintenance gas input pipe 218 for introducing the maintenance gas into the middle tube 213. The installation position of the maintenance gas input pipe 218 on the middle tube 213 can be selected according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit it. It should be noted that the maintenance gas is an inert gas, such as argon, helium or nitrogen, which can be selected according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit it. It should be noted that the working gas in the microwave resonance cavity 216 is composed of the carrier gas and the maintenance gas.

[0114] In one embodiment of the present application, the connecting pipe 300 includes an air outlet pipe 310 and a switching valve 320. One end of the air outlet pipe 310 is connected to the ablation shell 130 to communicate with the ablation cavity 135, and the air outlet pipe 310 is used to output the carrier gas, the fine aerosol and the charged particles in the ablation cavity 135. The material and length of the air outlet pipe 310 can be selected according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit it. One end of the switching valve 320 is connected to the other end of the air outlet pipe 310, and the other end of the switching valve 320 is connected to one end of the inner tube 212. It can be understood that the function of the switching valve 320 is to connect the air outlet pipe 310 and the inner tube 212. The material of the switching valve 320 can be selected according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit it.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present application, the tuning member 220 includes a tuning screw 221 and a fixing member 222. The tuning screw 221 is sleeved and installed on the outer surface of the middle tube 213 and is arranged at one end of the middle tube 213 close to the laser ablation device 100. The tuning screw 221 is used to tune the electric field strength, magnetic field strength and microwave reflection power of the open end 211.

[0116] The fixing member 222 is disposed on the middle tube 213 and matched with the tuning screw 221 so that the tuning screw 221 is stably mounted on the outer surface of the middle tube 213. It is understandable that the fixing member 222 may be a fixing rod, on which a thread matching the tuning screw 221 is engraved. The fixing member 222 may be fixedly mounted on the middle tube 213 or movably mounted on the middle tube 213, which may be selected according to actual needs and is not limited in this application.

[0117] In one embodiment of the present application, the igniter 240 includes a metal conductor 241, which is used to touch the open end 211 of the microwave plasma torch 200 to generate a plasma torch. The metal conductor 241 can be a Tesla coil, a conductor Tesla coil, or a conductor wire. The specific selection can be based on actual needs, and the present application does not limit it. The Tesla coil or conductor wire 241 forms a plasma torch flame through a short-contact discharge at the open end 211, so that the fine aerosol and charged particles are converted into ions. Please refer to Figure 2 The present application also provides a mass spectrometry system 20, comprising the ionization system 10 as described above. The mass spectrometry system 20 also includes a mass spectrometry 400.

[0118] The mass spectrometer 400 is used to perform mass spectrometry on the ions; wherein the mass spectrometer 400 includes a mass spectrometer port, and the mass spectrometer port 410 is used to receive the ions. It is understandable that the mass spectrometer port 410 is arranged at a position close to the opening end 211 to facilitate receiving ions from the opening end. The specifications and types of the mass spectrometer 400 can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not limit them.

[0119] See also Figure 3 The present application also provides a method for introducing a sample using the ionization system 10 as described above, comprising:

[0120] S100, continuously introducing carrier gas from the carrier gas pipeline 110 into the ablation cavity 135, and introducing the carrier gas into the inner tube 212 through the connecting tube 300, and continuously introducing maintenance gas from the maintenance gas input tube 218;

[0121] S200, the microwave power source 231 generates microwave energy, and the microwave transmitter 232 transmits the microwave energy to the middle tube 213 and the working gas, wherein the working gas includes the carrier gas and the maintenance gas;

[0122] S300, performing laser ablation on the sample by the laser ablation device 100, so that the sample generates fine aerosol and charged particles, and the fine aerosol and the charged particles are introduced into the inner tube 212 through the connecting tube 300;

[0123] S400, the igniter 240 ignites the open end 211 of the microwave plasma torch 200 to generate a plasma torch, so as to convert the charged particles into ions, and ionize the fine aerosol into ions, wherein the ions are used for mass spectrometry analysis. It should be noted that before the laser ablation device 100 performs laser ablation on the sample, the carrier gas needs to be continuously introduced into the ablation cavity 135, and the carrier gas needs to be continuously introduced into the inner tube 212. The carrier gas can be an inert gas such as argon, nitrogen or helium. In addition, before the laser ablation device 100 performs laser ablation on the sample, the microwave power source 231 should start working, and form a plasma torch between the middle tube 213 and the outer tube 214 through the microwave transmitter 232. It should be noted that when the output power of the microwave power source 231 is 30W to 50W, the method can be used to ionize organic matter so that the mass spectrometry analysis system can perform mass spectrometry analysis on the organic matter. When the output power of the microwave power source 231 is greater than 150W, the method can be used to ionize inorganic matter so that the mass spectrometry analysis system can perform mass spectrometry analysis on the inorganic matter.

[0124] In one embodiment of the present application, before S200, the method further includes:

[0125] S110 , inputting the maintenance gas into the middle tube 213 through the maintenance gas input pipe 218 .

[0126] The maintenance gas is an inert gas, such as nitrogen, helium or argon, which can be selected according to actual needs and is not limited in this application.

[0127] In one embodiment of the present application, before S400, the method further includes:

[0128] S310 , adjusting the electric / magnetic field strength and microwave reflection power of the opening end 211 through the tuning element 220 .

[0129] The tuning element 220 can adjust the electric / magnetic field strength and microwave reflection power of the open end 211 according to actual needs, so as to improve the accuracy and stability of the mass spectrometry system in analyzing the ions.

[0130] The method for introducing a sample using the ionization system 10 provided in the present application can perform laser desorption on the sample to form a fine-grained aerosol, and then, under the joint action of the tuning component 220, the microwave power source 231, and the microwave transmitter 232, the igniter 240 generates a plasma torch at the open end 211 to convert the fine-grained aerosol and charged particles into ions for mass spectrometry analysis by the staff. The method for introducing a sample provided in the present application is easy to operate and can simplify the process of sample ionization. Therefore, the method for introducing a sample provided in the present application can solve the problem of complex sample introduction in traditional ionization mass spectrometry analysis technology, as well as the problem of light-mass isotope enrichment in laser ablation systems.

[0131] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0132] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. An ionization system, characterized in that: include: A laser ablation device (100) is used to perform laser desorption on a sample so that the sample generates fine aerosol and charged particles. The laser ablation device (100) is provided with a carrier gas pipeline (110) for introducing a carrier gas. The laser ablation device (100) comprises: Laser ablation device body (120); The ablation shell (130) comprises a side ablation shell (131) and a bottom ablation shell (132), wherein the side ablation shell (131) and the bottom ablation shell (132) surround and form an open space; wherein: The ablation housing (130) is provided with the carrier gas pipeline (110), and the carrier gas pipeline (110) is used to introduce the carrier gas; A cover plate (134) mounted on the ablation shell (130) and surrounding the ablation shell (130) to form an ablation cavity (135); A stage (136) is received in the ablation cavity (135) and mounted on the inner wall of the ablation cavity (135), and the stage (136) is used to place the sample; A laser (140) is mounted on the laser ablation device body (120), and the central axis of the laser (140) coincides with the central axis of the stage (136), and the laser (140) is used to emit laser light; A lens (150), wherein the edge of the lens (150) is mounted on the laser ablation device body (120), and the central axis of the lens (150) coincides with the central axis of the stage (136), and the lens (150) is used to focus the laser; the cover plate (134) is used to focus the laser output from the lens (150); when the laser (140) emits a single beam of laser light, the dispersed laser light is focused once by the lens (150), and after being focused twice by the cover plate (134), the laser light desorbs the sample; A microwave plasma torch (200) comprises a rectangular tube (210), a tuning element (220), a microwave assembly (230) and an igniter (240), wherein the rectangular tube (210) is used to introduce the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas, the microwave assembly (230) is used to generate microwave energy and forms a microwave resonant cavity (216) with the rectangular tube (210), and the igniter (240) is used to convert the fine aerosol and the charged particles into ions; wherein: The rectangular tube (210) comprises an open end (211) for outputting the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas; the tuning element (220) is used to adjust the electric field intensity, magnetic field intensity and microwave reflection power of the open end (211); The microwave assembly (230) further comprises: A microwave power source (231) for generating microwave energy; A microwave transmitter (232) is connected to the middle tube (213) through a through hole (215), and is used to receive the microwave energy and transmit the microwave energy to the middle tube (213) and the working gas, so that the open end (211) is touched by the igniter (240) to convert the fine aerosol and the charged particles into ions; wherein the working gas is composed of the carrier gas and the maintenance gas; A connecting tube (300) is connected to the laser ablation device (100) at one end and connected to the rectangular tube (210) at the other end. The connecting tube (300) is used to introduce the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas output by the laser ablation device (100) into the rectangular tube (210).

2. The ionization system according to claim 1, characterized in that The rectangular tube (210) comprises: An inner tube (212), connected to the connecting tube (300), for introducing the fine aerosol, the charged particles and the carrier gas; A middle tube (213) is sleeved and installed outside the inner tube (212) and is used to introduce maintenance gas; The outer tube (214) is sleeved and installed on the outside of the middle tube (213), and a through hole (215) is opened on the outer tube (214).

3. The ionization system according to claim 1, characterized in that The microwave transmitter (232) comprises: A coupling ring (234) is sleeved and installed on the outside of the middle tube (213); A microwave transmission line (233), one end of which passes through the through hole (215) and is connected to the coupling ring (234), and the other end of which is connected to the microwave power source (231). The microwave transmission line (233) is used to receive the microwave energy and transmit the microwave energy to the coupling ring (234), so that the microwave energy is transmitted to the middle tube (213) and the working gas.

4. The ionization system according to claim 3, characterized in that A sealing ring (217) is also provided on the through hole (215) to seal the gap between the microwave transmission line (233) and the outer tube (214).

5. The ionization system according to claim 3, characterized in that The middle tube (213) is also connected to a maintenance gas input tube (218) for introducing the maintenance gas into the middle tube (213).

6. The ionization system according to claim 2, characterized in that The connecting pipe (300) comprises: an air outlet pipe (310), one end of which is connected to the ablation housing (130) to communicate with the ablation cavity (135), and the air outlet pipe (310) is used to output the carrier gas, the fine aerosol and the charged particles in the ablation cavity (135); A switching valve (320), one end of the switching valve (320) is connected to the other end of the air outlet pipe (310), and the other end of the switching valve (320) is connected to one end of the inner pipe (212).

7. The ionization system according to claim 2, characterized in that The tuning element (220) comprises: A tuning spiral ring (221) is sleeved and installed on the outer surface of the middle tube (213) and is arranged at one end of the middle tube (213) close to the laser ablation device (100), and the tuning spiral ring (221) is used to tune the electric field intensity, magnetic field intensity and microwave reflection power of the open end (211); A fixing member (222) is arranged on the middle tube (213) and is matched with the tuning screw ring (221) so that the tuning screw ring (221) is stably mounted on the outer surface of the middle tube (213).

8. The ionization system according to claim 1, characterized in that The igniter (240) comprises: The metal conductor (241) is used to touch the open end (211) of the microwave plasma torch (200) to generate a plasma torch.

9. A mass spectrometry system, characterized in that: An ionization system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: A mass spectrometer (400) is used to perform mass spectrometry analysis on the ions; wherein: The mass spectrometer (400) comprises a mass spectrometer port (410), and the mass spectrometer port (410) is used to receive the ions.

10. A method for sample introduction using the ionization system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: include: S100, continuously introducing carrier gas from the carrier gas pipeline (110) into the ablation chamber (135), and introducing the carrier gas into the inner tube (212) through the connecting tube (300), and continuously introducing maintenance gas from the maintenance gas input tube (218); S200, generating microwave energy by a microwave power source (231), and transmitting the microwave energy to the middle tube (213) and the working gas by a microwave transmitter (232), wherein the working gas includes the carrier gas and the maintenance gas; S300, performing laser ablation on the sample by using a laser ablation device (100) to generate fine aerosol and charged particles from the sample, and introducing the fine aerosol and the charged particles into the inner tube (212) through the connecting tube (300); S400, the igniter (240) ignites the open end (211) of the microwave plasma torch (200) to generate a plasma torch, so as to convert the charged particles into ions and ionize the fine aerosol into ions, wherein the ions are used for mass spectrometry analysis.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that Before S200, the method further includes: S110, inputting the maintenance gas into the middle tube (213) through the maintenance gas input pipe (218).

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that Before S400, the method further includes: S310, adjusting the electric field intensity, magnetic field intensity and microwave reflection power of the opening end (211) through the tuning element (220).

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