Voltage control for ion mobility separation

Abstract

An apparatus includes a first surface, a second surface, and a controller. The first and second surfaces define a first ion channel between them. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes having spaced-apart first and second electrodes, and is configured to receive a first voltage signal and generate a pseudopotential to inhibit ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The second plurality of electrodes are located between the first and second electrodes and are configured to receive a second voltage signal to generate a first travel drive potential configured to guide ions along the first ion channel. The controller is configured to generate the first and second voltage signals.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 850,823, filed May 21, 2019, entitled “Voltage Control for IonMobility Separation,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to systems and corresponding methods for voltage control of ion mobility separation, and more particularly, to systems and methods for guiding ions within a system, including segmented electrode arrangements and pulsed or bias voltage signals (e.g., pulsed current waveforms or periodic waveforms with unsigned changes). Background Technology

[0004] Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a technique used to separate and identify ions in the gas phase based on their mobility. For example, IMS can be used to separate structural isomers and macromolecules with different mobilities. IMS relies on applying a constant or time-varying electric field to a mixture of ions within a static or dynamic background gas. Ions with larger mobilities (or smaller CCS) move faster under the influence of an electric field compared to ions with smaller mobilities (or larger collision cross-sections [CCS]). By applying an electric field at a separation distance of the IMS device (e.g., in a drift tube), ions from the ion mixture can be spatially separated based on their mobility. Since ions with different mobilities arrive at the end of the drift tube at different times (time separation), these ions can be identified based on the time it takes for the detector to detect them at the end of the drift tube. The resolution of mobility separation can be varied by changing the separation distance.

[0005] Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique that separates a mixture of chemical substances based on their mass-to-charge ratio. MS involves ionizing the chemical mixture and then accelerating the ions in the presence of an electric and / or magnetic field. In some mass spectrometers, ions with the same mass-to-charge ratio undergo the same deflection. Ions with different mass-to-charge ratios undergo different deflections and can be identified based on the detection of their spatial positions by a detector (e.g., an electron multiplier). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Generally speaking, embodiments of this disclosure provide a system and corresponding method for voltage control of ion mobility separation.

[0007] An apparatus includes a first surface, a second surface, and a controller. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface. The first and second surfaces define a first ion channel between them. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes, the first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode along a second direction lateral to the first direction. The first plurality of electrodes extend along the first direction. The first electrode is configured to receive a first voltage signal and generate at least a portion of a pseudopotential that inhibits ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The second plurality of electrodes are located between the first and second electrodes and arranged along the first direction. The second plurality of electrodes are configured to receive a second voltage signal to generate a first travel drive potential traveling along the first direction. The first travel drive potential is configured to guide ions along the first ion channel. The apparatus also includes a controller electrically connected to the first and second surfaces. The controller is configured to generate the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second electrode is configured to receive the third voltage signal and generate at least a second portion of the first pseudopotential. In another embodiment, the first voltage signal is a first radio frequency (RF) signal, and the third voltage signal is a second RF voltage signal, and the phase difference between the first RF voltage signal and the second RF voltage signal has a value in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate the first RF voltage signal and a second RF control circuit configured to generate the second RF voltage signal.

[0009] In one embodiment, the controller includes a main control circuit communicatively coupled to a first RF control circuit and a second RF control circuit. The main control circuit is configured to determine one or more of the amplitude and / or frequency of a first RF voltage signal, the amplitude and / or frequency of a second RF voltage signal, and the phase difference between the first and second RF voltage signals. The controller is also configured to provide one or more RF control signals to the first and second RF control circuits. The one or more RF control signals indicate one or more of the amplitude and / or frequency of the first RF voltage signal, the amplitude and / or frequency of the second RF voltage signal, and the phase difference between the first and second RF voltage signals.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second voltage signal is a predetermined voltage / current waveform, and the controller includes multiple traveling-wave control circuits configured to generate multiple traveling-wave voltage signals. The predetermined voltage / current waveform includes multiple traveling-wave voltage signals. In another embodiment, the predetermined voltage / current waveform is a pulsed voltage waveform, which includes one or more of sawtooth voltage / current waveforms, rectangular voltage / current waveforms, and biased AC waveforms or biased sinusoidal voltage / current waveforms. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined voltage / current waveform is a periodic waveform with no sign change, which does not reverse the current direction but still exhibits a time-varying applied potential. In yet another embodiment, the multiple traveling-wave control circuits include one or more of multiple alternating current (AC) control circuits and multiple DC control circuits.

[0011] In one embodiment, the main control circuit is configured to determine one or more of the amplitude and / or frequency of the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals and the phase difference between one or more of the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals. The main control circuit is also configured to provide one or more traveling wave control signals to the plurality of traveling wave control circuits. The one or more traveling wave control signals indicate one or more of the amplitude and / or frequency of the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals and the phase difference between one or more of the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals.

[0012] In one embodiment, the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate a first voltage signal and a first DC control circuit configured to generate a first direct current (DC) voltage signal. The first voltage signal is a first RF voltage signal, and a second electrode is configured to receive the first DC voltage signal. In another embodiment, the first plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode adjacent to the second electrode and extending along a first direction. The third electrode is configured to receive the first voltage signal and generate a second portion of a pseudopotential.

[0013] In one embodiment, a first surface and a second surface define a second ion channel between them. The second ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a third plurality of electrodes located between the second and third electrodes. The third plurality of electrodes are configured to receive a fourth voltage signal and generate a second traveling drive potential traveling parallel to the first direction, the second traveling drive potential being configured to guide ions along the second ion channel. The first ion channel is located between the first and second electrodes, and the second ion channel is located between the second and third electrodes. In another embodiment, the third plurality of electrodes includes a switching electrode configured to receive a switching voltage signal from a switching control circuit and generate a gate potential configured to guide ions from the second ion channel to the first ion channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the controller includes a main control circuit communicatively connected to a switch control circuit. The main control circuit is configured to determine the duration for which the switch electrode is configured to generate a gate potential during its operation. The main control circuit is also configured to provide a switch control signal to the switch control circuit. The switch control circuit is configured to generate a switch voltage signal during the determined duration based on the switch control signal. In another embodiment, the controller is electrically connected to a power supply and configured to receive a power signal. In yet another embodiment, a second electrode of a first plurality of electrodes is electrically connected to a ground potential.

[0015] In one embodiment, the controller includes a second DC control circuit configured to generate a bias DC voltage signal. At least one electrode in the first surface is configured to receive the bias DC voltage signal. In another embodiment, the first surface is coupled to one or more of: (a) a first ion manipulation device characterized by a first ion manipulation device potential, wherein the first surface is configured to receive ions from the first ion manipulation device; and (b) a second ion manipulation device characterized by a second ion manipulation device potential, wherein the first surface is configured to transfer ions to the second ion manipulation device. The bias DC voltage signal is less than the first ion manipulation device potential, and / or the bias DC voltage signal is greater than the second ion manipulation device potential. In yet another embodiment, the first surface is coupled to an ion source characterized by an ion source potential at a first end of the first surface, and coupled to an ion detector characterized by an ion detector potential at a second end of the first surface. The bias DC voltage signal is greater than the ion detector potential and less than the ion source potential.

[0016] A method includes providing a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the first surface. The first surface and the second surface define a first ion channel between them. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes, the first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first plurality of electrodes extend along the first direction. The second surface also includes a second plurality of electrodes located between the first electrode and the second electrode and arranged along the first direction. The method further includes providing ions along the first ion channel. The method further includes applying a first voltage signal to the first electrode by a controller. The first electrode is configured to generate at least a portion of a pseudopotential that inhibits ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The method further includes applying a second voltage signal to the second electrode by the controller. The second electrode is configured to generate a first travel drive potential traveling along the first direction, and the first travel drive potential is configured to guide ions along the first ion channel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method further includes applying a third voltage signal to the second electrode by a controller. The second electrode is configured to generate at least a second portion of the first pseudopotential. In another embodiment, the first voltage signal is a first radio frequency (RF) signal, and the third voltage signal is a second RF voltage signal, and the phase difference between the first RF voltage signal and the second RF voltage signal has a value in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate the first RF voltage signal and a second RF control circuit configured to generate the second RF voltage signal.

[0018] An apparatus includes a first surface, a second surface, and a controller. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface. The first and second surfaces define a first ion channel between them. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes, the first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode along the first direction. The first plurality of electrodes are arranged along the first direction. The first electrode is configured to receive a first RF voltage signal, and the second electrode is configured to receive a second RF voltage signal. The second surface includes a second plurality of electrodes spaced apart from the first plurality of electrodes along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode adjacent to the third electrode and arranged along the first direction. The third electrode is configured to receive the second RF voltage signal, and the fourth electrode is configured to receive the first RF voltage signal. The first, second, third, and fourth electrodes are configured to generate a portion of a pseudopotential that inhibits ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The apparatus also includes a controller electrically connected to the first and second surfaces. The controller is configured to generate the first RF voltage signal having a first phase and to generate the second RF voltage signal having a second phase. The controller sets the first phase difference between the first phase and the second phase to a first predetermined value.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first plurality of electrodes includes a fifth electrode adjacent to the second electrode along a first direction, and the second plurality of electrodes includes a sixth electrode adjacent to the fourth electrode along the first direction. A controller is configured to generate a third RF voltage signal having a third phase. The controller sets a second phase difference between the second and third phases to another predetermined value (or a first predetermined value). In another embodiment, the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are configured to generate a traveling drive potential traveling along a first direction. The first traveling drive potential is configured to guide ions along a first ion channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate a first RF voltage signal and a second RF control circuit configured to generate a second RF voltage signal. In another embodiment, the controller includes a main control circuit communicatively coupled to the first and second RF control circuits. The main control circuit is configured to determine one or more of the amplitude and / or frequency of the first RF voltage signal, the amplitude and / or frequency of the second RF voltage signal, and a first predetermined value. The main control circuit is also configured to provide one or more control signals to the first and second RF control circuits. The control signals indicate one or more of the amplitude and / or frequency of the first RF voltage signal, the amplitude and / or frequency of the second RF voltage signal, and the first predetermined value.

[0021] In one embodiment, the velocity of the traveling drive potential along the first ion channel is based on the frequency of a first RF voltage signal and / or a second RF voltage signal. In one embodiment, the spatial frequency of the traveling drive potential along the first ion channel is based on a first predetermined value. In one embodiment, a first electrode is adjacent to a third electrode along a second direction, and a second electrode is adjacent to a fourth electrode along a second direction. In one embodiment, the first and second electrodes are spatially offset relative to the third and fourth electrodes along a first direction.

[0022] In one embodiment, the device further includes a third plurality of electrodes located between the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes. The third plurality of electrodes are arranged along a first direction. The third plurality of electrodes are configured to receive a third voltage signal and generate a first traveling drive potential traveling along the first direction, and the first traveling drive potential is configured to guide ions along a first ion channel. In one embodiment, the third voltage signal is a predetermined voltage / current waveform, and the controller includes a plurality of traveling wave control circuits configured to generate a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals. The predetermined voltage / current waveform includes a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals.

[0023] In one embodiment, the predetermined voltage / current waveform is a pulsed voltage / current waveform, including one or more of sawtooth voltage / current waveforms, rectangular voltage / current waveforms, and biased AC waveforms or biased sinusoidal voltage / current waveforms. In one embodiment, the plurality of traveling-wave control circuits includes one or more of a plurality of AC control circuits and a plurality of DC control circuits. In one embodiment, the controller includes a main control circuit communicatively coupled to the plurality of traveling-wave control circuits. The main control circuit is configured to determine one or more of the amplitude and / or frequency of the plurality of traveling-wave voltage signals and the phase difference between one or more of the plurality of traveling-wave voltage signals. The main control circuit is also configured to provide one or more traveling-wave control signals to the plurality of traveling-wave control circuits. The one or more traveling-wave control signals indicate one or more of the amplitude and / or frequency of the plurality of traveling-wave voltage signals and the phase difference between one or more of the plurality of traveling-wave voltage signals. In one embodiment, the controller includes a first DC control circuit configured to generate a first direct-current (DC) voltage signal, and a third plurality of electrodes configured to receive the first DC voltage signal.

[0024] In one embodiment, the controller includes a second DC control circuit configured to generate a bias DC voltage signal. At least one electrode of each (or either) of the first and second surfaces is configured to receive the bias DC voltage signal. In one embodiment, the first surface is coupled to one or more of: (a) a first ion manipulation device characterized by a first ion manipulation device potential, wherein the first surface is configured to receive ions from the first ion manipulation device; and (b) a second ion manipulation device characterized by a second ion manipulation device potential, wherein the first surface is configured to transfer ions to the second ion manipulation device. The bias DC voltage signal is less than the first ion manipulation device potential, and / or the bias DC voltage signal is greater than the second ion manipulation device potential. In one embodiment, the first surface is coupled to an ion source characterized by an ion source potential at a first end of the first surface, and coupled to an ion detector characterized by an ion detector potential at a second end of the first surface. The bias DC voltage signal is greater than the ion detector potential and less than the ion source potential.

[0025] An apparatus includes a first surface, a second surface, and a controller. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface. The first and second surfaces define a first ion channel between them. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes, the first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode along the first direction, the first plurality of electrodes being arranged along the first direction. The first electrode is configured to receive a first RF voltage signal, and the second electrode is configured to receive a DC voltage signal. The second surface includes a second plurality of electrodes spaced apart from the first plurality of electrodes along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode adjacent to the third electrode and arranged along the first direction. The third electrode is configured to receive a second RF voltage signal, and the fourth electrode is configured to receive a DC voltage signal. The first, second, third, and fourth electrodes are configured to generate a portion of a pseudopotential that inhibits ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The apparatus also includes a controller electrically connected to the first and second surfaces. The controller is configured to generate the first RF voltage signal and the DC voltage signal having a first phase.

[0026] An apparatus includes a first surface, a second surface, and a controller. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface. The first and second surfaces define a first ion channel between them. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes, the first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode along the first direction, the first plurality of electrodes being arranged along the first direction. The first electrode is configured to receive a first RF voltage signal, and the second electrode is configured to receive a second RF voltage signal. The second surface includes a second plurality of electrodes spaced apart from the first plurality of electrodes along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode adjacent to the third electrode and arranged along the first direction. The third electrode is configured to receive the first RF voltage signal, and the fourth electrode is configured to receive the second RF voltage signal. The first, second, third, and fourth electrodes are configured to generate a portion of a pseudopotential that inhibits ion access to the second surface in the first ion channel. The first electrode is aligned with the third electrode along the second direction, and the second electrode is aligned with the fourth electrode along the second direction. The apparatus also includes a controller electrically connected to the first and second surfaces. The controller is configured to generate a first RF voltage signal with a first phase and a second voltage signal with a second phase. A first phase difference between the first phase and the second phase is set to a first predetermined value (e.g., by the controller).

[0027] A method includes providing a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the first surface. The first and second surfaces define a first ion channel between them. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes, the first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode along the first direction. The first plurality of electrodes are arranged along the first direction. The second surface also includes a second plurality of electrodes spaced apart from the first plurality of electrodes along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode adjacent to the third electrode and arranged along the first direction. The method further includes providing ions along the first ion channel. The method further includes applying a first RF voltage signal to the first and fourth electrodes by a controller, and applying a second RF voltage signal to the second and third electrodes. The first, second, third, and fourth electrodes are configured to generate part of a pseudopotential that inhibits ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface.

[0028] In one embodiment, a first plurality of electrodes and a second plurality of electrodes are configured to generate a traveling drive potential traveling along a first direction. The first traveling drive potential is configured to guide ions along a first ion channel. In one embodiment, the second surface further includes a third plurality of electrodes located between the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes and arranged along the first direction. In one embodiment, the method further includes applying a third voltage signal to the third plurality of electrodes by a plurality of traveling wave control circuits. The third plurality of electrodes are configured to generate the first traveling drive potential traveling along the first direction. The first traveling drive potential is configured to guide ions along the first ion channel. In one embodiment, the third voltage signal is a predetermined voltage / current waveform, and the plurality of traveling wave control circuits are configured to generate a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals. The predetermined voltage / current waveform includes a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals. Attached Figure Description

[0029] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary ion mobility separation (IMS) system;

[0031] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exemplary implementation of the SLIM device in the IMS system;

[0032] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An exemplary arrangement of electrodes on the surface of a SLIM device;

[0033] Figure 4A A first exemplary operation of the electrodes on the surface of the SLIM device is shown;

[0034] Figure 4B A second exemplary operation of the electrodes on the surface of the SLIM device is shown;

[0035] Figure 4C A third exemplary operation of the electrodes on the surface of the SLIM device is shown;

[0036] Figure 5A An exemplary operation of a SLIM device with multiple ion channels is shown;

[0037] Figure 5B It shows in Figure 5A Exemplary connections between ion channels;

[0038] Figure 6 An exemplary traveling voltage signal of the electrodes of a SLIM device applied to ions in a driveable SLIM device is shown;

[0039] Figure 7 It shows the application to Figure 1 An exemplary graph showing the bias voltages of various components in the IMS system;

[0040] Figure 8 An exemplary SLIM device with segmented electrodes for generating pseudopotentials is shown; and

[0041] Figure 9 An exemplary SLIM device with segmented electrodes for generating both pseudopotential and drive voltage is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a full understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein.

[0043] Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a common technique for detecting and analyzing ions based on their mobility. For example, IMS can be used to detect biomarkers (e.g., proteins), which can allow for the detection of disease markers. Ion detection using IMS may be desirable to be accurate (e.g., fewer false positives), sensitive (e.g., capable of detecting low concentrations of biomarkers), have high throughput (e.g., faster detection), and high resolution (e.g., the ability to distinguish ions with similar mobilities). Nondestructive ion manipulation structure (SLIM) technology can provide apparatus and methods for improving IMS detection. For example, SLIM technology can provide remarkable control over the spatial and / or temporal distribution of potential, which in turn allows for improved control over the ion separation process. This application describes systems and methods for voltage control of SLIM devices that can improve the throughput and efficiency (e.g., lower power consumption) of SLIM devices.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary ion mobility separation (IMS) system 100. The IMS system 100 includes an ion source 102 that generates ions (e.g., ions with different mobilities and mass-to-charge ratios) and implants them into a SLIM device 104. This can be performed over multiple time instances (e.g., periodically). The SLIM device 104 may include one or more surfaces (e.g., made of a printed circuit board material) that may include electrodes disposed on those surfaces. The electrodes may receive voltage signals / voltage waveforms / current waveforms (e.g., DC voltage / current, RF voltage / current, AC voltage / current, or a superposition thereof) and may generate a potential (e.g., a potential gradient) to confine ions within the SLIM device and guide ions through the SLIM device 104 (which can result in ion separation based on ion mobility). A mass spectrometer 106 may receive ions from the SLIM device 104 and perform mass spectrometric analysis on the received ions.

[0045] Controller 108 can control the operation of one or more of the ion source 102, SLIM device 104, and mass spectrometer 106. Controller 108 can receive power from power source 150 (e.g., a DC power supply providing DC voltage to controller 108). Controller 108 may include multiple power modules (e.g., current / voltage supply circuits) that generate various voltage (or current) signals to drive the electrodes in SLIM device 104. For example, controller 108 may include RF control circuitry for generating RF voltage signals, traveling wave control circuitry for generating traveling wave voltage signals, DC control circuitry for generating DC voltage signals, etc. Controller 108 may also include a main control circuitry that controls the operation of the RF / traveling wave / DC control circuitry. For example, the main control circuitry can control the amplitude and / or phase of the voltage (or current) signals generated by the RF / traveling wave / DC control circuitry to achieve the desired operation of SLIM device 104.

[0046] In some embodiments, the SLIM device 104 may generate a traveling voltage / current waveform (generated from potentials generated by a plurality of electrodes in the SLIM device 104) capable of performing mobility-based separation. The voltage / current waveform may travel through the SLIM device 104 at a predetermined speed based on, for example, the frequency of voltage signals applied to the electrodes of the SLIM device 104. In some embodiments, the traveling voltage / current waveform may be spatially periodic, and the spatial periodicity may depend on the phase difference (e.g., along the ion propagation direction in the SLIM device 104) between voltage signals applied to adjacent electrode pairs. In some embodiments, the phase difference may determine the propagation direction of the voltage / current waveform. A main control circuit may control the frequency and / or phase of the voltage output of an RF / traveling wave control circuit such that the traveling voltage / current waveform has a desired (e.g., predetermined) spatial periodicity and / or speed.

[0047] In some embodiments, the controller 108 may be communicatively coupled to the computing device 160. For example, the computing device 160 may provide operating parameters of the SLIM device 104 to the main control circuitry via control signals. In some embodiments, a user may provide operating parameters to the computing device 160 (e.g., via a user interface). Based on the operating parameters received via control signals, the main control circuitry may control the operation of the RF / AC / DC control circuitry, which in turn determines the operation of the SLIM device 104. In some embodiments, the RF / AC / DC control circuitry may be physically distributed across the IMS system 100. For example, one or more RF / AC / DC control circuits may be located on the SLIM device 104.

[0048] Figure 2An exemplary embodiment of a SLIM device 104 is shown. The SLIM device 104 may include a first surface 103 and a second surface 105. The first and second surfaces may be arranged (e.g., parallel to each other) to define one or more ion channels between them. The first surface 103 and the second surface 105 may include electrodes (e.g., arranged as an electrode array on the surface facing the ion channels). The electrodes on the first surface 103 and the second surface 105 may be configured to be electrically coupled to a controller 108 and to receive voltage signals / voltage waveforms. In some embodiments, the first surface 103 and the second surface 105 may include a backplate comprising a plurality of conductive channels that allow electrical connections between the controller 108 and the electrodes on the first surface 103 and the second surface 105. In some embodiments, the number of conductive channels may be less than the number of electrodes. In other words, multiple electrodes may be connected to a single electrical channel. Thus, a given voltage (or current) signal can be transmitted to multiple electrodes simultaneously. Based on the received voltage signal, the electrodes may generate one or more potentials (e.g., a superposition of various potentials) that can constrain, drive, manipulate, and / or separate ions along a propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis).

[0049] The controller 108 may include one or more RF, DC, and traveling wave control circuits. In some embodiments, a first RF control circuit may provide an RF voltage signal to one or more electrodes coupled to a first surface 103, and a second RF control circuit may provide an RF voltage signal to one or more electrodes coupled to a second surface 105. Having multiple RF control circuits (e.g., separate control circuits for different surfaces) may be desirable because the RF power required to operate the SLIM device 104 can be distributed across multiple RF control circuits (which in turn may receive power from multiple power sources).

[0050] As described above, the first surface 103 and the second surface 105 may include a plurality of electrodes. Figure 3 An exemplary arrangement of electrodes on a first surface 103 is shown. Although the electrode arrangement on the first surface 103 is described below, a second surface 105 may include electrodes having a similar electrode arrangement. The first surface 103 includes a first plurality of electrodes 120 and 125 that can receive voltage signals (or be connected to a ground potential) and can generate pseudopotentials that can prevent / suppress ions from approaching the first surface 103. The first plurality of electrodes 120 and 125 may be rectangular, and the longer edges of the rectangles may be arranged along the propagation direction (“propagation axis”) of ions undergoing mobility separation. For example, in Figure 3 In this configuration, the propagation axis is parallel to the z-axis. The first plurality of electrodes may be separated from each other along a lateral direction (e.g., along the y-axis). For example, the lateral direction may be perpendicular to the propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis).

[0051] The first surface 103 may include a second plurality of electrodes 130, which may be located between the electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes (e.g., in the space between the first plurality of electrodes 120 and 125). The second plurality of electrodes 130 may include a plurality of electrodes segmented / arranged along (or parallel to) the propagation axis. The second plurality of electrodes 130 may receive a second voltage signal and generate a driving potential that can drive ions along the propagation axis. As ions move along the propagation axis, the driving potential can cause ions to separate based on ion mobility.

[0052] The first surface may include a protective electrode 110 positioned adjacent to the outermost of one of the first plurality of electrodes / second plurality of electrodes. For example, the protective electrode 110 may be located at the edge of the first surface 103 in a lateral direction. The protective electrode 110 may receive a voltage signal (e.g., a DC voltage signal from a DC control circuit) and generate a protective potential that may confine ions in an ion channel between the protective electrodes in a lateral direction. Based on the voltage signal applied to the protective electrode 110, the protective electrode may also manipulate the movement of ions between the first surface and the second surface.

[0053] The first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, and the protection electrode may be connected to one or more voltage control circuits (e.g., the voltage control circuit in controller 108). In some embodiments, the first plurality of electrodes 120 and 125 may receive radio frequency (RF) signals that are phase-shifted relative to each other. In some embodiments, the main control circuit may control the operation of two RF control circuits to generate two RF voltage signals that are phase-shifted relative to each other. Figure 4A An exemplary operation of a SLIM device is illustrated, wherein adjacent electrodes among a first plurality of electrodes receive RF voltage signals phase-shifted by 180 degrees. Electrode 120 may be electrically connected to a first RF control circuit, and electrode 125 may be connected to a second RF control circuit. The first and second RF control circuits may generate RF voltage signals phase-shifted relative to each other. For example, the phase shift between the RF voltage signals generated by the first and second RF control circuits may range from 0 degrees to 180 degrees (e.g., 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, 90 degrees, 105 degrees, 120 degrees, 135 degrees, 150 degrees, 165 degrees, 180 degrees, etc.). The phase shift may be determined by a main control circuit that controls the operation of the RF control circuits.

[0054] In some implementations, adjacent electrodes 120 and 125 may receive RF voltage signals with the same phase (e.g., zero phase shift). Figure 4BAn exemplary operation of a SLIM device is illustrated, wherein adjacent electrodes among a first plurality of electrodes receive RF voltage signals having the same phase. For example, electrodes 120 and 125 may be electrically connected to the same RF control circuitry. Alternatively, electrodes 120 and 125 may be electrically connected to different RF control circuitry configured to generate phase-synchronized RF voltage signals by a main control circuitry. In some embodiments, electrode 120 (or electrode 125) may receive RF voltage signals, and adjacent electrodes 125 (or electrode 120) may receive DC potentials (e.g., from DC control circuitry) or ground potentials. Figure 4C An exemplary operation of a SLIM device is shown, wherein a nearby electrode among a first plurality of electrodes (e.g., an electrode spatially separated by a second plurality of electrodes) receives an RF voltage signal and a DC voltage signal (or ground potential).

[0055] The first plurality of electrodes can generate a pseudopotential that prevents ions from approaching the first surface. Having a single RF control circuit (e.g., receiving power from a single source) to generate the pseudopotential reduces the complexity and / or cost of SLIM technology. For example, RF control circuits / RF voltage sources can be expensive, and fewer RF control circuits / RF voltage sources electrically connected to the SLIM device are desirable. SLIM devices configured to be connected to a single RF control circuit can have a simpler architecture compared to devices requiring at least two phases of RF. In some embodiments, this simplicity stems from a simpler RF control circuit that can utilize a single-tap RF coil, a reduced number of readback components, cables, and vacuum feedthrough connectors required to transmit the signal to the vacuum chamber. These simplifications reduce cost and / or make the SLIM device more robust (e.g., due to fewer potential points of failure resulting from the reduction in system components).

[0056] In some implementations, applying a DC voltage signal of the same polarity as the ion being analyzed (relative to an RF reference potential) to alternating electrodes (e.g., to electrode 125 or electrode 120) of a first plurality of electrodes can generate a plurality of ion channels that are laterally separated (e.g., along the y-axis). Figure 5A An exemplary operation of a SLIM device having multiple ion channels is illustrated. Electrode 120 receives an RF voltage signal (e.g., an RF voltage with the same phase), and electrode 125 located between electrodes 120 receives a DC voltage signal and generates a repulsive potential that can generate separate ion channels 502 and 504 extending along the propagation axis. For example, ion channel 502 may be located between adjacent electrodes 120 and 125, and ion channel 504 may be located between adjacent electrodes 125 and 120.

[0057] In some embodiments, multiple ion channels can improve the throughput of the SLIM device. For example, ion channels 502 and 504 can (e.g., simultaneously) perform individual ion mobility separation. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing a first ion pack to ion channel 502 and a second ion pack to ion channel 504 and applying a traveling voltage signal to multiple electrodes 130a and 130b. In some embodiments, a given traveling signal can be applied to both electrodes 130a and 130b. In some embodiments, different traveling voltage signals can be applied to electrodes 130a and 130b. This can result in different ion separation processes in the two channels (e.g., different ions can be selected in the two channels at the output). This multi-channel SLIM arrangement can be used to extend the m / z (mass-to-charge ratio) or mobility range of analytes that can pass through the device simultaneously. For example, high-mobility ions can travel within one channel using a high traveling wave velocity, while low-mobility ions can travel in adjacent channels using a lower traveling wave velocity. Thus, multiple IMS separations can be performed in parallel.

[0058] Figure 5B An exemplary connection of ion channels 502 and 504 is shown. The directionality of the traveling wave signal in each electrode group is indicated by 1-n arrows. The connection of ion channels 502 and 504 can be achieved by including a switching electrode 132a among a plurality of electrodes 130a. The switching electrode 132a may be located in the ion path traveling along ion channel 502 and may generate a gate potential that can guide ions in ion channel 502 to ion channel 504 when it is open. When closed, ions in ion channel 502 may continue to travel along the propagation axis (+z or -z axis). The switching electrode 132a may be electrically connected to a switching control circuit (e.g., a DC control circuit, an AC control circuit, etc.). The switching control circuit may apply a DC voltage signal (e.g., at regular intervals) to the switching electrode 132a. A main control circuit may control the operation of the switching control circuit. For example, the main control circuit may determine the moment (“switching time”) when the switching electrode 132a will switch (e.g., from on to off or from off to on). The switching time can be based on the time it takes for the ion pack to be introduced into the SLIM device, the velocity of the ion pack in the SLIM device, etc. In some embodiments, the second switching electrode 132b may be included among a plurality of electrodes 130b, which, when open, guides ions in ion channel 504 to ion channel 502. When closed, ions in ion channel 502 may continue to travel along the propagation axis (+z or -z axis). In some embodiments, the switching electrode may be periodically placed among a plurality of electrodes 130a (and / or 130b). For example, every (n+1)th electrode may be a switching electrode.

[0059] Figure 6An exemplary traveling voltage signal is shown that can be applied in a repeatable pattern to a second plurality of electrodes 130 including electrodes 141 to 148 (e.g., each of eight electrodes receives a similar traveling voltage signal). Figure 6 The exemplary voltage waveform shown is a sinusoidal waveform (e.g., an AC voltage waveform). Figure 6 In this embodiment, electrodes 141 to 148 can receive voltage signals whose amplitudes can be determined based on voltage waveforms (e.g., sinusoidal waveforms, rectangular waveforms, sawtooth waveforms, biased sinusoidal waveforms, etc.). For example, if a single wavelength of an AC waveform / sinusoidal voltage waveform is distributed across eight electrodes (141 to 148), the voltage amplitude applied to the eight electrodes can be determined by selecting a value from the AC waveform / sinusoidal voltage waveform corresponding to the total number of electrodes associated with a single wavelength. For example, the phase shift between adjacent electrodes in electrodes 141 to 148 is 45 degrees (360 degrees [corresponding to a single wavelength] divided by 8). This can be achieved by electrically connecting electrodes 141 to 148 to different traveling wave control circuits (e.g., AC control circuits, pulsed current control circuits, etc.) that generate voltage signals with phase shifts relative to each other. In some embodiments, the voltage / current waveforms can take various pulse shapes (e.g., square, triangular, rectangular, sawtooth, etc.), and can be periodic, non-periodic, etc. For example, a traveling wave control circuit may include one or more DC control circuits that generate a DC voltage signal and an AC control circuit that generates a sinusoidal signal. In some embodiments, the traveling wave control circuit may include one or more pulse current control circuits that can generate pulse voltage waveforms and / or pulse current waveforms (e.g., square, triangular, rectangular, sawtooth, etc.). The pulse current control circuit may include multiple outputs electrically connected to multiple electrodes (e.g., electrodes 141 to 148). In some embodiments, the pulse current control circuit may simultaneously apply multiple voltage signals (e.g., constituting pulse waveforms) to multiple electrodes. Various pulse shapes of the voltage / current waveforms may be generated by superimposing DC voltage signals and sinusoidal signals. A main control circuit may determine the phase shift between the AC signals generated by the various traveling wave control circuits. The shape / periodicity of the traveling voltage signal may be based on the phase shift between AC signals applied to adjacent electrodes. A main control signal may determine the amplitude of the DC voltage signal generated by the DC control circuit. The main control circuit may determine the amplitude and / or frequency of the AC signal generated by the traveling wave control circuit.

[0060] In some implementations, the frequency of the AC signal can determine the speed of the traveling voltage / current waveform. Another method for generating the phase-shifted AC signal for the traveling voltage / current waveform is to use a multiphase transformer. This method can provide control over the phase relationship between multiple voltage outputs based on the connection scheme of the transformer's multiple secondary windings. In this way, one or more input drive voltage signals can be used to generate multiple phase-dependent outputs using only analog circuitry. A key difference between this method and the aforementioned digital generation method is that the phase dependence is entirely determined by the physical wiring of the transformer and cannot be changed without physically altering the wiring. The phase relationship between digitally generated waveforms can change dynamically without changing the hardware.

[0061] As time progresses, the current / voltage waveform (e.g., AC waveform, sinusoidal voltage waveform, pulsed current / voltage waveform) can travel (e.g., along the propagation direction). This can cause a change in the amplitude of the voltage applied to electrodes 141 to 148. For example, a voltage applied to a first electrode (e.g., electrode 141) during a first time step is applied to an adjacent electrode (e.g., electrode 142) during a next time step. Controller 108 may include one or more traveling wave control circuits capable of generating pulsed voltage / current waveforms, AC waveforms, etc. In some embodiments, the controller may include one or more RF control circuits capable of generating RF voltage waveforms. Controller 108 can control the travel speed of the AC / RF / pulsed voltage / current waveform. As the AC / pulsed current waveform / pulsed voltage waveform travels, ions can be propelled along the propagation direction and separated based on the ion mobility.

[0062] In some embodiments, the traveling voltage signal may be a pulsed current waveform or a periodic waveform with no sign change, which does not reverse the current direction but still exhibits a time-varying applied potential. For example, the traveling voltage signal may be a biased sine wave (e.g., a superposition of an AC voltage / current waveform and a DC current / voltage waveform). In some embodiments, it may be desirable to bias the SLIM device 104 to generate a potential gradient via the SLIM device 104 that allows ions to flow from the ion source 102 to the SLIM device 104 and / or from the SLIM device 104 to the mass spectrometer 106 (or ion detector). Figure 7An exemplary graph of voltages (e.g., applied bias voltages) associated with various components of the IMS system 100 is shown. The ion source 102 may have a higher voltage relative to the mass spectrometer 106, which may include a quadrupole, a time-of-flight (TOF) reflector, and a detector. The first and / or second surfaces of the SLIM device 104 may be biased at the bias voltage (e.g., first plurality of electrodes 120 and 125, second plurality of electrodes 130, guard electrode 110, etc.). The value of the SLIM device bias voltage may be within a range between the voltage of the ion source 102 and the voltage of the mass spectrometer 106. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for example, if the gas flow is used to transport ions to a DC bias hill, the value of the SLIM device bias voltage may exceed the range established by the ion source and the mass spectrometer. Therefore, the traveling voltage waveform in the SLIM device 104 may be a superposition of a sinusoidal AC voltage waveform and the DC voltage of the SLIM device 104 corresponding to the bias voltage. The controller 108 may include a bias voltage source (e.g., a DC voltage source) that can apply a bias voltage signal to the SLIM device 104. In some embodiments, control circuitry in the controller 108 may determine the absolute voltage or amplitude of the bias voltage (e.g., based on user input, based on the detection of voltages associated with the ion source 102 and the mass spectrometer 106, etc.).

[0063] Figure 8 A surface 800 of a SLIM device with an additional exemplary electrode arrangement is shown. Surface 800 may be included in the SLIM device 104 (e.g., instead of the first surface 103, the second surface 105, or both). Surface 800 includes a plurality of first electrodes 820 and 825 segmented along a propagation axis (e.g., along the z-axis). The plurality of first electrodes 820 may be separated from the plurality of first electrodes 825 in a lateral direction (e.g., along the y-axis). For example, the lateral direction may be perpendicular to the propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis). The plurality of first electrodes 820 and 825 may receive RF voltage signals and / or DC voltage signals (or be connected to a ground potential) and may generate a pseudopotential that prevents / suppresses ion access to surface 800. In some embodiments, a first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes 820 may receive a first RF voltage signal, and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode (along the propagation direction) may receive a second RF voltage signal (or a DC voltage signal / ground potential). This arrangement may be repeated along the propagation direction.

[0064] In some embodiments, every second electrode of the first plurality of electrodes 820 (or electrodes 825) may be connected to a first set of RF control circuitry configured to generate a first RF voltage signal of a given phase. For example, every second electrode of the plurality of electrodes 820 (or electrodes 825) may be electrically connected to the same RF control circuitry. The remaining electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes 820 may receive a second RF voltage signal (phase-shifted relative to the first RF voltage signal), a DC voltage signal, or a ground potential. For example, the remaining electrodes of the plurality of electrodes 820 may be connected to a second set of RF control circuitry (or a DC control circuitry configured to generate a DC voltage) configured to generate a second RF voltage signal. In some embodiments, the remaining electrodes of the plurality of electrodes 820 may be electrically connected to a given RF control circuitry and / or a DC control circuitry. In some embodiments, the electrode of the first plurality of electrodes 820 receiving the first RF voltage signal may be spatially offset (e.g., along the propagation axis) relative to the electrode of the first plurality of electrodes 825 receiving the first RF voltage signal. This may generate a reception of the first RF voltage signal ( Figure 8 The middle is marked as RF1) and the second voltage signal ( Figure 8 The grid pattern of electrodes (marked RF2) is shown. The second voltage signal can be a second RF voltage signal with a different phase compared to the first RF voltage signal, a DC voltage signal, or a ground potential. The main control circuit can control the operation of the first set of RF control circuits and the second set of RF control circuits (or DC control circuits). For example, the main control circuit can control the amplitude / frequency / phase of the RF voltage signals generated by the first set of control circuits and the second set of control circuits. For example, the phase difference between the first RF voltage signal and the second RF voltage signal can be set to a predetermined value (e.g., based on user input to the computing device 160).

[0065] A second plurality of electrodes 830a (or 830b), segmented along the propagation axis, may be located in the space between the first plurality of electrodes 820 and 825. The second plurality of electrodes may receive a traveling voltage waveform and generate a driving potential that can drive ions along the propagation axis. For example, the second plurality of electrodes may be electrically connected to a plurality of traveling wave control circuits (e.g., such as...). Figure 6 The above) can generate a traveling voltage waveform that can lead to mobility-based separation.

[0066] Surface 800 may include a protective electrode 810 positioned adjacent to the outermost of one of the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes. For example, the protective electrode 810 may be located at the edge of surface 800 in a lateral direction. The protective electrode 810 may receive a voltage signal (e.g., a DC voltage signal from a DC control circuit) and generate a protective potential that may confine ions in ion channels between the protective electrodes in a lateral direction.

[0067] Figure 9A surface 900 of a SLIM device with an exemplary electrode arrangement is shown. Surface 900 may be included in the SLIM device 104 (e.g., in place of a first surface 103, a second surface 105, or both). This embodiment of the SLIM surface can generate an RF potential to prevent / suppress ion access to the surface and drive ions along the propagation axis (e.g., resulting in mobility-based separation). Surface 900 includes a first plurality of electrodes 920, a second plurality of electrodes 930, and a third plurality of electrodes 940 segmented along the propagation axis (e.g., along the z-axis). The first plurality of electrodes 920, the second plurality of electrodes 930, and the third plurality of electrodes 940 may be spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction (e.g., along the y-axis). For example, the lateral direction may be perpendicular to the propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis).

[0068] One or more of the first plurality of electrodes 920, the second plurality of electrodes 930, and the third plurality of electrodes 940 may receive RF voltage signals and / or DC voltage signals (or be connected to a ground potential) and may generate a pseudopotential that prevents / suppresses ion access to the surface 900. In some embodiments, the first electrode of the first plurality of electrodes 920 may receive a first RF voltage signal, and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode (along the propagation direction) may receive a second RF voltage signal (or DC voltage signal / ground potential). This arrangement of the first and second electrodes may be repeated along the propagation direction (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 8 (as described above). For example, each second electrode may be connected to a first set of RF control circuits configured to generate a first RF voltage signal of a given phase, and the remaining electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes 920 may be connected to a second set of RF control circuits configured to generate a second RF voltage signal (or a DC control circuit configured to generate a DC voltage).

[0069] In some embodiments, the electrode in the first plurality of electrodes 920 that receives the first RF voltage signal may be spatially offset (e.g., along the propagation axis) relative to the electrode in the second plurality of electrodes 930 that receives the first RF voltage signal. Similarly, the electrode in the second plurality of electrodes 930 that receives the first RF voltage signal may be spatially offset (e.g., along the propagation axis) relative to the electrode in the third plurality of electrodes 940 that receives the first RF voltage signal. This can generate a reception of the first RF voltage signal ( Figure 9 (marked as "RF1") and the second voltage signal ( Figure 9 The grid pattern of electrodes (marked RF2) is shown. The second voltage signal can be a second RF voltage signal with a different phase compared to the first RF voltage signal, a DC voltage signal, or a ground potential. The main control circuit can control the operation of the first group of RF control circuits and the second group of RF control circuits (or DC control circuits).

[0070] In some implementations, the main control circuit can control the amplitude / frequency / phase of the RF voltage signal generated by the first set of control circuits and the second set of control circuits. For example, based on the phase difference between adjacent electrodes in the plurality of electrodes 920 / 930 / 940, a traveling RF wave that can drive ions along the propagation axis and cause mobility-based separation can be generated.

[0071] The alternating pattern of applying RF voltage to adjacent electrodes described above is exemplary. In other embodiments, the traveling RF voltage signal may be repeated on multiple electrodes among the first plurality of electrodes / second plurality of electrodes / third plurality of electrodes along the propagation direction. For example, every nth electrode (where n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.) may receive the same RF voltage signal. This can result in a sinusoidal waveform comprising multiple (e.g., periodic) RF voltage signals applied to multiple electrodes among the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, and the third plurality of electrodes. For example, a sinusoidal waveform repeated every third electrode can be generated by having a third set of RF control circuitry that applies a third RF voltage signal to every third electrode among the plurality of electrodes 920 / 930 / 940.

[0072] In some embodiments, the electrode in the first plurality of electrodes 920 that receives a given RF voltage signal may be spatially offset (e.g., along the propagation axis) relative to the electrode in the second plurality of electrodes 930 that receives a given RF voltage signal. Additionally or alternatively, the electrode in the second plurality of electrodes 930 that receives a given RF voltage signal may be spatially offset (e.g., along the propagation axis) relative to the electrode in the third plurality of electrodes 940 that receives a given RF voltage signal. A main control circuit may control the operation of various RF control circuits that provide RF voltage signals to the various electrodes. For example, the main control circuit may control the amplitude / frequency / phase of the RF voltage signals generated by the various control circuits.

[0073] Similar to the bias sine wave, other time-varying signals (such as bias square waveforms, bias sawtooth waveforms, and bias triangular waveforms) are all applicable to pushing ions through the device under increased potential due to bias.

[0074] Other embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the disclosed subject matter. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, apparatuses, and methods specifically described and illustrated herein are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. Features shown or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with similar names in embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, within a particular embodiment, not every feature of every component with similar names is necessarily fully described in detail.

[0075] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuits or in computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structural means disclosed herein and their structural equivalents) or combinations thereof. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as those tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., embodied in a machine-readable storage device) or in a propagating signal, or as one or more computer programs for execution by or for controlling the operation of a data processing device (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program may be stored as a portion of a file containing other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to a related program, or in multiple coordinating files (e.g., a file storing one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to execute on one computer or multiple computers located at one site, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network.

[0076] The processes and logical flows described in this specification (including the method steps of the subject matter described herein) can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform the functions of the subject matter described herein by manipulating input data and generating output. The processes and logical flows can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry (e.g., FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)), and the devices of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as such special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0077] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer may also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to such mass storage devices, or both. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CDs and DVDs). The processor and memory may be supplemented or integrated into special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0078] To provide interaction with the user, the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) for the user to input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user. For example, the feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and can receive any form of input from the user, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

[0079] One or more modules may be used to implement the techniques described herein. As used herein, the term "module" refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and / or various combinations thereof. However, at least, a module should not be construed as software not implemented on hardware, firmware, or recorded on a non-transitory processor-readable and recordable storage medium (i.e., a module itself is not software). In practice, a "module" should be construed as always including at least some physical, non-transitory hardware, such as a processor or part of a computer. Two different modules may share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules may use the same processor and network interface). The modules described herein may be combined, integrated, separated, and / or replicated to support a variety of applications. In addition, functions described herein as performing at a particular module may be performed at one or more other modules and / or by one or more other devices, instead of functions performed at a particular module. Furthermore, modules may be implemented across multiple devices and / or in other components, either locally or remotely to each other. Additionally, modules may be moved from one device and added to another device, and / or may be included in both devices.

[0080] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in computing systems that include back-end components (e.g., data servers), middleware components (e.g., application servers), or front-end components (e.g., client computers having a graphical user interface or web browser that a user can use to interact with embodiments of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components. Components of the system can be interconnected via any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (“LANs”) and wide area networks (“WANs”), such as the Internet.

[0081] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language may be applied to modify any quantitative expression, allowing for variations in the quantitative expression without altering its underlying function. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as “about,” “approximate,” and “substantially” are not limited to the specified precise values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Scope limitations are combined and / or interchangeable herein and throughout the specification and claims; such scopes are identified and include all subscopes contained therein, unless otherwise indicated by context or language.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: First surface; A second surface, adjacent to the first surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface define a first ion channel between them, the first ion channel extending along a first direction, the second surface comprising: The first plurality of electrodes includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode along a second direction transverse to the first direction, the first plurality of electrodes extending along the first direction, wherein the first electrode is configured to receive a first voltage signal and generate at least a portion of a pseudopotential that inhibits ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. A second plurality of electrodes, located between the first electrode and the second electrode and arranged along the first direction, wherein the second plurality of electrodes are configured to receive a second voltage signal to generate a first traveling drive potential traveling along the first direction, the first traveling drive potential being configured to guide ions along the first ion channel; and A controller electrically connected to the first surface and the second surface, the controller being configured to generate a first voltage signal and a second voltage signal, the second voltage signal including a travel drive potential component and a static bias DC voltage component; Wherein, the first surface is coupled to a first ion manipulation device and a second ion manipulation device, the first ion manipulation device being characterized by a first ion manipulation device potential, and the first surface being configured to receive ions from the first ion manipulation device; and the second ion manipulation device being characterized by a second ion manipulation device potential, and the first surface being configured to transfer ions to the second ion manipulation device; and The static bias DC voltage component has an amplitude that generates a potential gradient from the first ion manipulation device to the first ion channel and from the first ion channel to the second ion manipulation device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The second electrode is configured to receive a third voltage signal and generate at least a second portion of a first pseudopotential.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The first voltage signal is a first radio frequency voltage signal, and the third voltage signal is a second radio frequency voltage signal, and the phase difference between the first radio frequency voltage signal and the second radio frequency voltage signal has a value in the range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The controller includes a first radio frequency control circuit configured to generate the first radio frequency voltage signal and a second radio frequency control circuit configured to generate the second radio frequency voltage signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The second voltage signal is a current waveform, and the controller includes a plurality of traveling wave control circuits configured to generate a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals, wherein the amplitude and phase of the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals are predetermined, and the current waveform includes the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The current waveform is a pulse current waveform, which includes one or more of a sawtooth current waveform, a rectangular current waveform, and a sinusoidal current waveform, wherein one or more of the sawtooth current waveform, the rectangular current waveform, and the sinusoidal current waveform are biased by the static bias DC voltage component.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The plurality of traveling wave control circuits include one or more of a plurality of pulse current control circuits and a plurality of DC control circuits.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The controller includes a first radio frequency control circuit configured to generate the first voltage signal and a first DC control circuit configured to generate a first DC voltage signal, wherein the first voltage signal is a first radio frequency voltage signal, and the second electrode is configured to receive the first DC voltage signal.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The first plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode adjacent to the second electrode and extending along the first direction, the third electrode being configured to receive the first voltage signal and generate a second portion of the pseudopotential.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The first surface and the second surface define a second ion channel between them, the second ion channel extending along the first direction, and the second surface comprising: A third plurality of electrodes, located between the second electrode and the third electrode, are configured to receive a fourth voltage signal and generate a second traveling drive potential parallel to the first direction, the second traveling drive potential being configured to guide ions along the second ion channel. The first ion channel is located between the first electrode and the second electrode along the second direction, and the second ion channel is located between the second electrode and the third electrode along the second direction.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The second electrode in the first plurality of electrodes is electrically connected to the ground potential.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The controller includes a DC control circuit configured to generate the static bias DC voltage component.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The first surface is connected to one or more of the following: A first ion manipulation device, characterized by a first ion manipulation device potential, wherein the first surface is configured to receive ions from the first ion manipulation device. as well as A second ion manipulation device, characterized by a second ion manipulation device potential, wherein the first surface is configured to transfer ions to the second ion manipulation device. Wherein the bias ion potential energy associated with the static bias DC voltage component is less than the first ion potential energy associated with the first ion manipulation device potential, and / or the bias ion potential energy is greater than the second ion potential energy associated with the second ion manipulation device potential.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The first ion manipulation device is an ion source, and the second ion manipulation device is an ion detector, wherein the first surface is coupled to the ion source at a first end of the first surface and to the ion detector at a second end of the first surface.

15. A method comprising: A first surface and a second surface adjacent to the first surface are provided, the first surface and the second surface defining a first ion channel between them, the first ion channel extending along a first direction, the second surface comprising: A plurality of electrodes, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode along a second direction transverse to the first direction, the plurality of electrodes extending along the first direction, and The second plurality of electrodes are located between the first electrode and the second electrode and are arranged along the first direction; Ions are supplied along the first ion channel; A first voltage signal is applied to the first electrode by a controller, wherein the first electrode is configured to generate at least a portion of a pseudopotential that inhibits the approach of ions in the first ion channel to the second surface. The controller applies a second voltage signal to the second plurality of electrodes, the second voltage signal including a traveling drive potential component and a static bias DC voltage component; and wherein the second plurality of electrodes are configured to generate a biased first traveling drive potential traveling along the first direction, the first traveling drive potential being configured to guide ions along the first ion channel, wherein the traveling drive potential component is a pulsed current waveform; and The first surface is coupled to a first ion manipulation device and a second ion manipulation device, wherein the first ion manipulation device is characterized by a first ion manipulation device potential, and the first surface is configured to receive ions from the first ion manipulation device; and the second ion manipulation device is characterized by a second ion manipulation device potential, and the first surface is configured to transfer ions to the second ion manipulation device; and The static bias DC voltage component has an amplitude that generates a potential gradient from the first ion manipulation device to the first ion channel and from the first ion channel to the second ion manipulation device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first voltage signal is a first radio frequency voltage signal, and the controller also applies a third voltage signal to the second electrode, the third voltage signal being a second radio frequency voltage signal, and the phase difference between the first radio frequency voltage signal and the second radio frequency voltage signal has a value in the range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, The method further includes applying a third voltage signal to the second electrode by the controller, wherein the second electrode is configured to generate at least a second portion of the first pseudopotential.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein, The controller includes a first radio frequency control circuit configured to generate the first radio frequency voltage signal and a second radio frequency control circuit configured to generate the second radio frequency voltage signal.

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