Method and apparatus for trapping and accumulating ions

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for ion accumulation are disclosed. An apparatus for ion accumulation includes a plurality of regions. A first region receives ions using a first drive potential and transfers the ions to a second region. The second region is switchable between a first state in which the second region generates a first electric field that prevents the ions from moving further and into a third region and a second state in which the second region generates a second electric field that directs the ions toward the third region. When in the first state, the first electric field prevents the ions from moving further, which causes the ions to accumulate in the second region. When in the second state, the second electric field moves the ions from the second region to the third region. A method of accumulating ions includes switching an electric field applied to a region between a trapping state and a releasing state.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 028,768, filed May 22, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the fields of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and mass spectrometry (MS). More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for capturing and accumulating ions to improve ion resolution in IMS and MS systems. Background Technology

[0004] Ion mobility separation (IMS) is a technique for separating and identifying ions in the gas phase based on ion 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 in 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 over a separation distance in the IMS device (e.g., in a drift tube), ions from the ion mixture can be separated temporally or spatially based on their mobility. Because 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 detection time of a detector located at the end of the drift tube. By changing the separation distance, the resolution of mobility separation can be varied.

[0005] MS is an analytical technique that separates mixtures of chemicals based on their mass-to-charge ratio. MS involves ionizing the mixture of chemicals and then accelerating the ion mixture in the presence of an electric and / or magnetic field. In some mass spectrometers, ions with the same mass-to-charge ratio experience the same deflection or time-related response. Ions with different mass-to-charge ratios may experience different deflection or time-related responses and can be identified based on their spatial or temporal location detected by a detector (e.g., an electron multiplier).

[0006] Combining IMS with MS generates IMS-MS spectra, which can be used in a wide range of applications, including metabolomics, glycomics, and proteomics. IMS-MS ion separation can be performed by coupling an ion mobility spectrometer with a mass spectrometer. For example, an ion mobility spectrometer can first separate ions based on their mobility. Ions with different mobilities arrive at the mass spectrometer at different times and are then separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio. An example of an IM spectrometer is the structure of a nondestructive ion manipulation (SLIM) device, which can generate IMS spectra with minimal ion loss. SLIM devices can use traveling-wave separation as a technique for separating ions with different mobilities. However, traveling-wave separation can result in broad peaks in ion mobility separation, especially when traveling-wave separation is performed over long distances.

[0007] Furthermore, the signal-to-noise ratio and resolution during detection are affected by the number of ions introduced into the IMS device. Therefore, ion traps have been used to accumulate ions before implantation for ion mobility separation; however, such ion traps are limited by the space charge effect. In this respect, a limited amount of charge can accumulate in the ion trap before reaching the space charge capacity (at which point ions can be lost from the ion trap). Historically, these limitations have typically been addressed by increasing the path length, which can result in larger and / or more complex devices. In addition, systems and methods for applying intermittent or “discontinuous” traveling waves have been developed to classify, compress, or recombine ions into a reduced number of ion mobility chambers, leading to ion spatial compression and increased ion packet resolution in IMS. For example, U.S. Patent No. 10,018,592, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Spatial Compression and Increased Mobility Resolution of Ions,” discloses altering the duty cycle of the intermittent traveling wave to compress the ion packet into a narrower distribution peak. However, the aforementioned methods are still limited by the space charge effect and parameters (e.g., velocity, amplitude, waveform, etc.) of the traveling waves utilized.

[0008] Therefore, additional systems and methods are needed for airborne ion capture and accumulation to improve the resolution and sensitivity of IMS and MS systems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for airborne ion capture and accumulation to improve ion resolution in IMS and MS systems.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an exemplary apparatus for ion accumulation is provided. An apparatus for ion accumulation includes a first region and a second region. The first region is configured to receive ions and generate a first driving potential configured to guide ions through the first region in a first direction. The second region is configured to receive ions from the first region and switch between a first state, which may be a captured state, and a second state, which may be a released state, generating a first electric field when in the first state and a second electric field when in the second state. The first electric field is configured to prevent ions from moving in the first direction and entering a third region, and the second electric field is configured to guide ions toward the third region in the first direction. Thus, the first electric field can be generated during the captured state, and the second electric field can be generated during the released state. When the second region is in the first state, the first driving potential and the first electric field prevent ions in the second region from leaving the second region and cause ions to accumulate in the second region. When the second region is in the second state, the second electric field causes ions to move toward the third region in the first direction.

[0011] In one aspect, the first driving potential can be a traveling wave. In another aspect, the first electric field can be a DC voltage. In these aspects, the amplitude of the DC voltage can be greater than the bias voltage of the first driving potential. Furthermore, in these aspects, the second electric field can be a traveling wave, and this traveling wave can be configured to separate ions based on mobility. In other aspects, the amplitude of the DC voltage can be less than the bias voltage of the first driving potential, and the DC voltage can generate a potential well. In these aspects, the second electric field can be a DC potential gradient or a traveling wave, which can be configured to separate ions based on mobility.

[0012] In some aspects, the first electric field can be a traveling wave traveling in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the second electric field can be a second traveling wave traveling in the first direction. In these aspects, the second traveling wave can be configured to separate ions based on mobility. Furthermore, in these aspects, the first electric field can be generated during the captured state, and the second electric field can be generated during the released state.

[0013] In other respects, the third region can be configured to receive ions from the second region and generate a second driving potential configured to separate ions based on mobility.

[0014] In other respects, the first region may include a plurality of electrodes disposed on the first surface, arranged along a first direction, and configured to generate a first driving potential, and the second region may include one or more electrodes disposed on the first surface and arranged along a first direction, at least one of the one or more electrodes in the second region being configured to generate a first electric field when in a first state and a second electric field when in a second state.

[0015] In these aspects, the device may include a controller configured to apply a first voltage signal to a plurality of electrodes in a first region, a second voltage signal to at least one electrode in one or more electrodes in a second region, and a third voltage signal to at least one electrode in one or more electrodes in the second region. Furthermore, the plurality of electrodes may be configured to generate a first driving potential based on the first voltage signal, the at least one electrode may be configured to generate a first electric field based on the second voltage signal, and the at least one electrode may be configured to generate a second electric field based on the third voltage signal. When the device is in a first operating mode, the controller applies the second voltage signal to the second plurality of electrodes, thereby placing the second region in a first state; and when the device is in a second operating mode, the controller applies the third voltage signal to the second plurality of electrodes, thereby placing the second region in a second state.

[0016] In some respects, when the second region is in the first state, the first part of the second region can generate a first electric field; when the second region is in the second state, the first part of the second region can generate a second electric field; and the second part of the second region can generate a fourth electric field different from the first electric field.

[0017] In some other aspects, the second region may include multiple rows of radio frequency (RF) electrodes and multiple traveling wave (TW) electrode arrays, each of the multiple TW electrode arrays including at least three individual electrodes. In these aspects, when the second region is in the first state, a first electric field may be generated by at least one individual electrode of each of the multiple TW electrode arrays.

[0018] A method for ion accumulation includes introducing ions into an apparatus having a first region, a second region, and a third region. The method includes generating a driving potential within the first region to guide ions through the first region in a first direction, and using the driving potential to transport ions from the first region to the second region. The method also includes generating a first electric field within the second region to prevent ions from moving in the first direction and entering the third region, and accumulating ions in the second region. The first electric field may be applied during a captured state. The method further includes switching the first electric field generated within the second region to a second electric field to guide the accumulated ions toward the third region in the first direction. The second electric field may be generated during a released state.

[0019] In some respects, the driving potential can be a traveling wave. In other respects, the first electric field can be a DC voltage. In these respects, the amplitude of the DC voltage can be greater than the bias voltage of the driving potential. In other such respects, the second electric field can be a traveling wave, and the method can include using this traveling wave to separate ions based on mobility.

[0020] In other respects, the magnitude of the DC voltage can be smaller than the bias voltage of the first driving potential, and the DC voltage can generate a potential well. In these respects, the second electric field can be a DC potential gradient or a traveling wave. In the case that the second electric field is a traveling wave, the method may further include using the traveling wave to separate ions based on mobility.

[0021] In other aspects, the first electric field can be a first traveling wave traveling in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the second electric field can be a second traveling wave traveling in the first direction. In these aspects, the method may further include using the traveling wave to separate ions based on mobility. Furthermore, in these aspects, the first electric field can be generated during the captured state, and the second electric field can be generated during the released state.

[0022] In one aspect, the method may further include transporting ions accumulated in the second region to a third region, generating a second driving potential in the third region, and using the second driving potential to separate ions based on mobility.

[0023] In some respects, the first part of the second region can generate a first electric field and a second electric field, and the second part of the second region can generate a fourth electric field different from the first electric field.

[0024] In some other aspects, the second region may include multiple rows of radio frequency (RF) electrodes and multiple traveling wave (TW) electrode arrays, each of the multiple TW electrode arrays including at least three individual electrodes. In these aspects, when the second region is in the first state, a first electric field may be generated by at least one individual electrode of each of the multiple TW electrode arrays.

[0025] In another aspect, an apparatus for ion accumulation includes an ion channel, a first region, a second region, a third region, and a controller. The ion channel is defined between a first surface and a second surface, extends along a first longitudinal direction and a first lateral direction, and is configured to receive an ion flow. The first region includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the first surface and arranged along the first longitudinal direction. The second region includes one or more electrodes disposed on the first surface and arranged along the first longitudinal direction. The controller is configured to apply a first voltage signal to the plurality of electrodes in the first region, a second voltage signal to one or more electrodes in the second region, and a third voltage signal to one or more electrodes in the second region. The second voltage signal can be applied during a capture operation mode, and the third voltage signal can be applied during a release operation mode. The plurality of electrodes in the first region are configured to generate a first driving potential traveling along the first longitudinal direction based on the first voltage signal. The first driving potential is configured to guide ions through the ion channel in the first longitudinal direction. The one or more electrodes in the second region are configured to generate a first electric field based on the second voltage signal, the first electric field preventing ions from traveling along the first longitudinal direction and entering the third region. The first electric field can be generated during the capture operation mode. One or more electrodes in the second region are configured to generate a second electric field based on a third voltage signal, which is configured to guide ions toward the third region along a first longitudinal direction. The third voltage signal can be generated during a release operation mode. When the device is in a first operation mode, which can be a capture operation mode, the controller applies the second voltage signal to one or more electrodes in the second region, and a first drive potential and a first electric field prevent ions in the second region from leaving the second region, causing ions to accumulate in the second region. When the device is in a second operation mode, which can be a release operation mode, the controller applies the third voltage signal to one or more electrodes in the second region, and the second electric field causes ions to move toward the third region in a first direction.

[0026] In some respects, the first voltage signal can be a traveling wave. In other respects, the second voltage signal can be a DC voltage. In these respects, the amplitude of the DC voltage can be greater than the bias voltage of the first driving potential. Furthermore, in these respects, the third voltage signal can be a traveling wave, and this traveling wave can be configured to separate ions based on mobility.

[0027] In other respects, a second voltage signal can be applied to a single electrode in the second region.

[0028] In other respects, the magnitude of the DC voltage can be smaller than the bias voltage of the first driving potential, and the DC voltage can generate a potential well. In these respects, the third voltage signal can be a DC potential gradient or a traveling wave, which can be configured to separate ions based on mobility. In these respects, the DC voltage can be applied to two or more electrodes in the second region.

[0029] In one aspect, the second voltage signal can be a traveling wave traveling in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the third voltage signal can be a second traveling wave traveling in the first direction. In these aspects, the second traveling wave can be configured to separate ions based on mobility. Furthermore, in these aspects, the second voltage signal can be applied during a capture operation mode, and the third voltage signal can be applied during a release operation mode.

[0030] On the other hand, the third region may include a plurality of electrodes disposed on the first surface and arranged along the first longitudinal direction. The third region may be configured to receive ions from the second region and generate a second driving potential configured to separate ions based on mobility.

[0031] A method for ion accumulation includes introducing an ion flow into an ion channel of an ion accumulation device. The accumulation device includes a first surface, a second surface, a first region including a plurality of electrodes disposed on the first surface and arranged along a first longitudinal direction, a second region including one or more electrodes disposed on the first surface and arranged along the first longitudinal direction, and a third region. The first ion channel is defined between the first and second surfaces and extends along the first longitudinal direction and a first lateral direction. The method further includes applying a first voltage signal to the plurality of electrodes in the first region via a controller, and generating a first driving potential traveling along the first longitudinal direction through the plurality of electrodes in the first region. The first driving potential is also configured to guide ions within the ion channel in the first longitudinal direction. The method further includes using the first driving potential to transport ions within the ion channel from the first region to the second region along the first longitudinal direction. The method further includes applying a second voltage signal to one or more electrodes in the second region via a controller, and generating a first electric field based on the second voltage signal through the one or more electrodes in the second region. During a trapping operation mode, the second voltage signal can be applied, and the first electric field can be generated. The method further includes using the first electric field to prevent ions from moving in the first direction and entering the third region, and to accumulate ions in the second region. The method also includes switching a second voltage signal applied to the second region via a controller to a third voltage signal for guiding ions accumulated in the second region within the ion channel toward the third region in a first direction. During the release operation mode, the third voltage signal can be applied, and a second electric field can be generated.

[0032] In some respects, the first voltage signal can be a traveling wave. In other respects, the second voltage signal can be a DC voltage. In these respects, the amplitude of the DC voltage can be greater than the bias voltage of the first voltage signal. In other such respects, the third voltage signal can be a traveling wave, and the method can include using the traveling wave to separate ions based on mobility. In other such respects, the second voltage signal can be applied to a single electrode in a second region.

[0033] In other respects, the amplitude of the DC voltage may be less than the bias voltage of the first voltage signal, and the DC voltage may generate a potential well. In these respects, the third voltage signal may be a DC potential gradient or a traveling wave. If the third voltage signal is a traveling wave, the method may further include using the traveling wave to separate ions based on mobility. In these respects, the DC voltage may be applied to two or more electrodes in the second region.

[0034] In other aspects, the second voltage signal may be a traveling wave traveling in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the third voltage signal may be a second traveling wave traveling in the first direction. In these aspects, the method may further include using the traveling wave to separate ions based on mobility. Furthermore, in these aspects, the second voltage signal may be applied during a capture operation mode, and the third voltage signal may be applied during a release operation mode.

[0035] In one aspect, the method may further include transporting ions accumulated in the second region to the third region. The method may further include applying a fourth voltage signal to a plurality of electrodes in the third region via a controller, these electrodes being disposed on a first surface and arranged along a first longitudinal direction. The method may further include generating a second driving potential traveling along the first longitudinal direction via the plurality of electrodes in the third region. The second driving potential may be configured to guide ions within an ion channel in the first longitudinal direction. The method may further include separating ions based on mobility using the second driving potential. In some aspects, the fourth voltage signal and the third voltage signal may be the same. In other aspects, the first voltage signal, the third voltage signal, and the fourth voltage signal may be the same.

[0036] An ion accumulation device includes an ion accumulation section, an outlet section, and an outlet transition section. The ion accumulation section has a first width and is configured to receive ions, switching between the first state and the second state, generating a first electric field when in the first state and a second electric field when in the second state. The outlet section has a second width less than the first width and is configured to generate a third electric field, which is configured to guide ions through the outlet section. The outlet transition section extends between the ion accumulation section and the outlet section and has a tapered width that decreases from the first width adjacent to the ion accumulation section to the second width adjacent to the outlet section. The outlet transition section is also configured to generate the third electric field to guide ions through the outlet transition section to the outlet section. The first electric field is configured to prevent ions from moving in a first direction and entering the outlet transition section, while the second electric field is configured to guide ions toward the outlet transition section in the first direction. When the ion accumulation section is in the first state, the first electric field prevents ions in the ion accumulation section from leaving the ion accumulation section and causes ions to accumulate in the ion accumulation section. When the ion accumulation section is in the second state, the second electric field causes ions to move toward the outlet transition section in the first direction.

[0037] In some respects, the exit transition section can be configured to prevent ions from discharging due to space charge effects. In other respects, the third electric field can be the same as or different from the second electric field.

[0038] In other aspects, the ion accumulation device may also include an inlet portion and an inlet transition portion. The inlet portion may have a third width less than the first width, and the inlet transition portion may extend between the inlet portion and the ion accumulation portion. The inlet transition portion may have a tapered width that increases from the third width adjacent to the inlet portion to the first width adjacent to the ion accumulation portion. In these aspects, the inlet portion and the outlet transition portion may be configured to generate a fourth electric field to guide ions through the inlet portion and the inlet transition portion to the ion accumulation portion.

[0039] In some other respects, the second electric field may be a traveling wave traveling in the first direction, and the ion accumulation portion may be configured to switch from generating a second electric field to generating a fourth electric field, which is a traveling wave traveling in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0040] In other respects, the first electric field can be a DC voltage. In these respects, the first portion of the ion accumulation section can generate the first electric field, and the second portion of the ion accumulation section can generate a fourth electric field different from the first electric field.

[0041] In other aspects, the ion accumulation section may include multiple rows of radio frequency (RF) electrodes and multiple traveling wave (TW) electrode arrays, wherein each of the multiple TW electrode arrays includes at least three individual electrodes. In these aspects, the first electric field may be generated by at least one individual electrode of each of the multiple TW electrode arrays.

[0042] In other respects, the ion accumulation device may include an inlet portion located at a lateral side of the ion accumulation portion and configured to supply ions to the ion accumulation portion.

[0043] Other features will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are intended to be illustrative only and not to define limitations of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The above features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following specific embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary ion mobility separation (IMS) system of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 2 It is compatible with this disclosure. Figure 1 A schematic view of a portion of an exemplary SLIM device used in conjunction with an IMS system;

[0047] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a first exemplary arrangement of electrodes on the surface of a SLIM device;

[0048] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second exemplary arrangement of electrodes on the surface of a SLIM device;

[0049] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary area of ​​a SLIM device;

[0050] Figure 6 It shows that it is applied to Figure 5 A schematic block diagram of the first set of exemplary waveforms of an exemplary region, including a high DC potential waveform for ion accumulation;

[0051] Figure 7A It shows that it is applied to Figure 5 A schematic block diagram of the second set of exemplary waveforms in an exemplary region, including a DC potential well for ion accumulation and a first release state waveform;

[0052] Figure 7B It is shown Figure 7AThe schematic block diagram of the second set of exemplary waveforms shown has a second release state waveform.

[0053] Figure 8 It shows that it is applied to Figure 5 A schematic block diagram of the third set of exemplary waveforms in an exemplary region, including a reverse traveling wave for ion accumulation;

[0054] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary arrangement of regions for ion accumulation and separation in the IMS system of this disclosure;

[0055] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary accumulation area of ​​this disclosure; and

[0056] Figure 11 It has a side entrance section. Figure 10 A schematic diagram of an exemplary accumulation region. Detailed Implementation

[0057] This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for airborne capture and accumulation of ions, as described below. Figures 1 to 11 As described in detail.

[0058] Ions can be separated based on their mobility via ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS). For example, mobility separation can be achieved by applying one or more potential waveforms (e.g., traveling potential waveforms, direct current (DC) gradients, or both) to an ion set. IMS-based mobility separation can be achieved using a non-destructive ion manipulation (SLIM) structure that systematically applies traveling and / or DC potential waveforms to an ion set, such as those disclosed and described in U.S. Patent No. 8,835,839, entitled “Method and Apparatus for IonMobility Separatiions Utilizing Alternating Current Waveforms,” and U.S. Patent No. 10,317,364, entitled “IonManipulation Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This can produce continuous ion streams that are separated temporally and spatially based on their mobility. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to select ions with a predetermined mobility range from the ion set. This can be achieved through mobility-based ion filtering in a SLIM device (“SLIM filter”). SLIM filters (e.g., low-pass filters, high-pass filters, band-pass filters, etc.) can be superimposed on multiple potential waveforms pointing (e.g., traveling) in different directions (e.g., in two dimensions). The characteristics of the potential waveforms (e.g., amplitude, shape, frequency, etc.) determine the properties of the SLIM filter (e.g., bandwidth, cutoff mobility value, etc.).

[0059] This disclosure utilizes the aforementioned SLIM device not only to transport and separate ions with different mobilities, but also to accumulate ions within the corresponding SLIM device for subsequent separation and analysis. In this regard, different waveforms can be applied to different regions of the SLIM device, for example, one or more electrodes combined together, to trap ions in the accumulation region until the space charge limit is reached or a sufficient number of ions have accumulated, as discussed in more detail below.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary ion mobility separation (IMS) system 100 according to the present disclosure. The IMS system 100 includes an ionization source 102, a SLIM device 104, a mass spectrometer 106, a controller 108, a computing device 110, a power supply 112, and a vacuum system 114. The ionization source 102 generates ions (e.g., ions with varying mobility and mass-to-charge ratio) and implants the ions into the SLIM device 104 (in conjunction with...). Figures 2 to 4(Discussed in more detail). Depending on the desired function and the waveform applied thereto, the SLIM device 104 can be configured to transport ions, accumulate ions, store ions, and / or separate ions. In this regard, the SLIM device 104 can be used to select ions having one or more predetermined mobility ranges and guide the selected ion bands (or multiple ion bands) to a detector, such as a mass spectrometer 106. A vacuum system 114 can be in fluid communication with the SLIM device 104 and regulate the gas pressure within the SLIM device 104. Specifically, the vacuum system 114 can supply nitrogen to the SLIM device 104 while maintaining the pressure therein at a constant pressure.

[0061] SLIM device 104 may include one or more surfaces 114a, 114b (e.g., a printed circuit board surface) on which multiple electrodes may be disposed. The electrodes may receive voltage signals, voltage waveforms, and / or current waveforms (e.g., DC voltage or current, RF voltage or current, or AC voltage or current, or a superposition thereof), and may generate potentials (e.g., potential gradients) to confine ions within SLIM device 104, accumulate ions within SLIM device 104, and guide ions through SLIM device 104, which may result in ion accumulation and separation based on ion mobility, as discussed in more detail below.

[0062] The controller 108 controls the operation of the ionization source 102, the SLIM device 104, the mass spectrometer 106, and the vacuum system 114. For example, the controller 108 can control the rate at which ions are implanted into the SLIM device 104 via the ionization source 102, the threshold mobility of the SLIM device 104, and the ion detection achieved by the mass spectrometer 106. The controller 108 can also control the characteristics and motion of the potential waveform generated by the SLIM device 104 (e.g., by applying an RF / AC / DC potential to the electrodes of the SLIM device 104) to facilitate ion transport, accumulation, and / or separation.

[0063] The controller 108 can control the characteristics of the potential waveform (e.g., amplitude, shape, frequency, etc.) by changing the properties of the applied RF / AC / DC potential (or current). In this respect, the controller 108 can alter the properties of the potential waveform in different regions (e.g., different electrode groups) of the SLIM device 104 to capture / accumulate ions and subsequently separate them. This can be achieved by striving to improve ion peak resolution, narrow ion peaks, improve the signal-to-noise ratio, and achieve clear separation near the target mobility.

[0064] Controller 108 may receive power from power supply 112, which may be, for example, a DC power supply providing DC voltage to controller 108. Controller 108 may include multiple power modules (e.g., current and / or voltage supply circuits) that generate various voltage (or current) signals to drive the electrodes of 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. RF voltage signals, traveling wave voltage signals, and DC voltage signals may be applied to the electrodes of SLIM device 104. 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 may 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 mobility filtering system 100.

[0065] As described above, the SLIM device 104 can generate a DC / traveling potential waveform (e.g., potential generated by a plurality of electrodes in the SLIM device 104) and a DC potential, which enables mobility-based separation and leads to ion accumulation. The traveling potential waveform can travel at a predetermined speed based on, for example, the frequency of a voltage signal applied to the electrodes. In some embodiments, the traveling potential waveform can be spatially periodic, and the spatial periodicity can depend on the phase difference between voltage signals applied to adjacent electrode pairs. In some embodiments, the phase difference can determine the propagation direction of the potential waveform. In some embodiments, the waveform applied to the accumulation / capture / gate electrodes can control ion accumulation in the SLIM device 104. The main control circuit can control the frequency and / or phase of the voltage output of the RF / traveling wave / DC control circuit, such that the traveling wave potential waveform has a desired (e.g., predetermined) spatial periodicity and / or speed, and the accumulation waveform / potential is sufficient to restrict ion movement and thus accumulate ions.

[0066] In some embodiments, the controller 108 may be communicatively coupled to the computing device 110. For example, the computing device 110 may provide operating parameters of the IMS system 100 to the main control circuitry via control signals. In some embodiments, the user may provide operating parameters to the computing device 110 (e.g., via a user interface). Based on the operating parameters received via control signals, the main control circuitry may control the operation of RF / AC / DC control circuitry, which in turn may determine the operation of the connected 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 circuitry may be located within the IMS system 100, and the various RF / AC / DC control circuitry may operate based on power from the power supply 112.

[0067] Figure 2 Is it possible to... Figure 1 A schematic view of a portion of an exemplary SLIM device 104 (e.g., a SLIM device for transporting, accumulating, storing, and / or separating ions) used with an IMS system 100. The SLIM device 104 includes a first surface 114a and a second surface 114b. The first surface 114a and the second surface 114b may be arranged (e.g., parallel to each other) to define one or more ion channels therebetween. The first surface 114a and the second surface 114b may include electrodes 116, 118a-f, 120a-e, 122a-x (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 For example, these electrodes are arranged in an electrode array on a surface facing the ion channel. Electrodes 116, 118a-118f, 120a-e, 122a-x on the first surface 114a and the second surface 114b are electrically connected to the controller 108 and receive voltage (or current) signals or waveforms therefrom. In some embodiments, the first surface 114a and the second surface 114b may include a backplane comprising a plurality of conductive channels that allow electrical connections between the controller 108 and the electrodes 116, 118a-f, 120a-e, 122a-x on the first surface 114a and the second surface 114b. In some embodiments, the number of conductive channels may be less than the number of electrodes 116, 118a-f, 120a-e, 122a-x. In other words, multiple electrodes 116, 118a-f, 120a-e, 122a-x may be connected to a single electrical channel. As a result, a given voltage (or current) signal can be simultaneously transmitted to multiple electrodes 116, 118a-f, 120a-e, and 122a-x. Based on the received voltage (or current) signal, electrodes 116, 118a-f, 120a-e, and 122a-x can generate one or more potentials (e.g., superposition of various potentials) that can confine, drive, and / or separate ions along a propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis).

[0068] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a first surface 114a and a second surface 114b of a SLIM device 104, showing a first exemplary arrangement of electrodes 116, 118a-f, 120a-e, 122a-h thereon. The first surface 114a and the second surface 114b may be substantially mirror images of each other with respect to a parallel plane; therefore, it should be understood that the description of the first surface 114a also applies to the second surface 114b, and thus the second surface 114b may include electrodes having an electrode arrangement similar to that of the first surface 114a.

[0069] The first surface 114a includes a protective electrode 116, a plurality of continuous electrodes 118a-f, and a plurality of segmented electrode arrays 120a-e. Each of the plurality of continuous electrodes 118a-f can receive a voltage (or current) signal, or can be connected to ground potential, and can generate a pseudopotential that can prevent or suppress ions from approaching the first surface 114a. The plurality of continuous electrodes 118a-f may be rectangular in shape, with the longer side of the rectangle arranged along the propagation direction of ions undergoing mobility separation, for example, along a direction parallel to the direction of ion mobility separation. Figure 3 The z-axis is the propagation axis shown. Multiple consecutive electrodes 118a-f can be separated from each other along a lateral direction (e.g., along the y-axis) that may be perpendicular to the propagation direction (e.g., the z-axis).

[0070] Each of the multiple segmented electrode arrays 120a-e can be positioned between two consecutive electrodes 118a-f and includes multiple individual electrodes 122a-h arranged along (parallel to) the propagation direction (e.g., along the z-axis), such as eight electrodes, sixteen electrodes, twenty-four electrodes, etc. It should be understood that each segmented electrode array 120a-e may include more or fewer than eight electrodes, but should include at least three electrodes. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, each of the segmented electrode arrays 120a-e comprises 24 electrodes 122a-x. Furthermore, the individual electrodes 122a-x can be divided into separate groups that receive specific signals from the controller 108, as will be discussed in more detail below. The multiple segmented electrode arrays 120a-e can receive a second voltage signal and generate a driving potential that can drive ions along the propagation axis or a DC voltage signal that can trap ions, as will be discussed in more detail below. That is, based on the voltage settings applied to the continuous electrodes 118a-f, the segmented electrode arrays 120a-e, and the multiple individual electrodes 122a-h, the first surface 114a and the second surface 114b and their electrode arrangements can be implemented for different purposes and therefore have different functions.

[0071] Multiple continuous electrodes 118a-f and multiple segmented electrode arrays 120a-e can be arranged alternately on a first surface 114a between DC protection electrodes 116. The segmented electrodes 120a-e can be traveling-wave (TW) electrodes, such that each individual electrode 122a-h of each segmented electrode array 120a-e receives a voltage signal simultaneously applied to all individual electrodes 122a-h, but with a phase shift along the z-axis between adjacent electrodes 122a-h. However, the same individual electrode of the segmented electrode array 120a-e (e.g., the first individual electrode 122a) receives the same voltage signal without phase shift.

[0072] The voltage signal applied to the individual electrodes 122a-h can be a sinusoidal waveform (e.g., an AC voltage waveform), a rectangular waveform, a DC square wave waveform, a sawtooth waveform, a biased sinusoidal waveform, a pulsed current waveform, etc., and the amplitude of the signal provided to the individual electrodes 122a-h can be determined based on the applied voltage waveform, for example, taking into account the phase shift mentioned above. For example, if a single wavelength of the AC voltage waveform extends across eight electrodes (e.g., individual electrodes 122a-h), the amplitude of the voltage signal applied to the individual electrodes 122a-h can be determined by selecting a value from the AC waveform that corresponds to the total number of electrodes (e.g., eight electrodes) associated with the single wavelength. For example, the phase shift between adjacent electrodes of the individual electrodes 122a-h is 45 degrees (360 degrees of a single wavelength period divided by 8). This can be achieved by electrically connecting the individual electrodes 122a-h to different traveling wave control circuits (e.g., AC control circuit, DC (square wave) control circuit, pulsed current control circuit, etc.) that generate voltage signals that are phase-shifted relative to each other. Alternatively, controller 108 may be a single traveling wave control circuit that can generate voltage signals that can be simultaneously applied to electrodes 122a-h. It should be understood that the voltage or current waveform can take various forms, such as square, triangular, rectangular, sawtooth, etc., and can be periodic or aperiodic. For example, controller 108 may be a traveling wave control circuit that may include one or more DC (square wave) control circuits that generate a DC voltage signal and an AC control circuit that generates a sinusoidal signal.

[0073] As described above, controller 108 may include one or more pulse voltage or current control circuits that can generate pulse voltage (or current) waveforms, such as square, triangular, rectangular, sawtooth, etc. The pulse voltage (or current) waveforms may be periodic without polarity reversal. The pulse voltage (or current) control circuits may include multiple outputs electrically connected to the individual electrodes 122a-h. In some embodiments, controller 108 may be a pulse voltage (or current) control circuit that can simultaneously apply multiple voltage signals (e.g., voltage signals constituting a pulse waveform) to each of the individual electrodes 122a-h. Various pulse shapes of the voltage (or current) waveforms can be generated by superimposing DC voltage signals and sinusoidal signals. Controller 108 can determine the phase shift between voltage signals generated by various traveling wave control circuits. The shape / periodicity of the traveling potential waveform may be based on the phase shift between voltage signals applied to adjacent electrodes 122a-h. Controller 108 can determine the amplitude of the DC voltage signal generated by the DC control circuit and can determine the amplitude and / or frequency of the AC signal generated by the traveling wave control circuit.

[0074] The frequency of a voltage signal (e.g., an AC signal) determines the speed of the traveling potential waveform. Another method for generating a phase-shifted AC signal of a voltage (or current) waveform is to use a multiphase transformer that generates the traveling potential waveform. This method can provide control over the phase relationship between multiple voltage output signals 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. The key difference between this method and the digital generation methods described above is that the phase dependence can be determined by the physical wiring of the transformer and remains unchanged without physically altering the wiring. The phase relationship between digitally generated waveforms can change dynamically without changing the hardware.

[0075] Over time, the potential waveform (e.g., generated by an AC waveform, sinusoidal voltage waveform, or pulsed voltage [or current] waveform applied to the electrodes) can travel along a propagation direction, for example, along the z-axis. This can cause variations in the amplitude of the voltage applied to individual electrodes 122a-h. For example, a voltage applied to the first individual electrode 122a during a first time step may be applied to the adjacent individual electrode 122b during a next time step. Controller 108 may include one or more traveling wave control circuitry that can generate pulsed voltage / current waveforms, AC waveforms, etc. In some embodiments, the controller may include one or more RF control circuitry that can generate RF voltage waveforms, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0076] The controller 108 can control the speed of the traveling potential waveform by controlling the frequency and / or phase of the AC / RF / pulse voltage (or current) waveform applied to the individual electrodes 122a-h. As the potential waveform travels, ions introduced into the SLIM device 104 can be propelled along the propagation direction, and, if necessary, ions can be potentially separated along the z-axis based on their mobility. At this point, the traveling waveform applied by the controller 108 can be used to transport ions without separating them, or to transport ions and separate them based on their mobility during transport.

[0077] As described above, the multiple consecutive electrodes 118a-f can be connected to one or more voltage control circuits, such as the voltage control circuit in controller 108, and receive RF signals from them. The RF voltage applied to the consecutive electrodes 118a-f can be phase-shifted relative to adjacent consecutive electrodes 118a-f. That is, adjacent consecutive electrodes 118a-f can receive the same RF signal, but with a 180-degree phase shift. Therefore, in the first state, the first electrode 118a, the third electrode 118c, and the fifth electrode 118e can have positive polarity (denoted as RF+), while the second electrode 118b, the fourth electrode 118d, and the sixth consecutive electrode 118f can have negative polarity (denoted as RF-). The polarity of each consecutive electrode 118a-f switches over time and signal transition. The aforementioned function keeps ions between the first surface 114a and the second surface 114b and prevents ions from contacting the first surface 114a and the second surface 114b.

[0078] As described above, the SLIM device 104 may have more or fewer than eight individual electrodes 122a-h in each segmented electrode array 120a-e, and may include more or fewer than five segmented electrode arrays 120a-e and six continuous electrodes 118a-f, depending on the required functionality of the SLIM device 104. For example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first surface 114a and the second surface 114b of the SLIM device 104, showing second and third exemplary arrangements of electrodes 116, 118a-f, 120a-e, 122a-x thereon. More specifically, Figure 4 The arrangement of electrodes 116, 118a-f, 120a-e, and 122a-x shown is basically the same as... Figure 3 The arrangement shown is the same, but each segmented electrode array 120a-e has 24 individual electrodes 122a-x, six consecutive electrodes 118a-f are divided into three groups, and the guard electrode 116 is divided into three groups.

[0079] In this configuration, the first group of eight individual electrodes 122a-h can be used for a first function, such as transporting ions with or without ion separation; the second group of eight individual electrodes 122i-p can be used for a second function, such as capturing and accumulating ions; and the third group of eight individual electrodes 122q-x can be used for a third function, such as separating ions during ion transport. For example, the controller 108 can provide a first waveform to the first group of eight individual electrodes 122a-h, a second waveform to the second group of eight individual electrodes 122i-p, and a third waveform to the third group of eight individual electrodes 122q-x. Furthermore, each individual electrode 122a-x can be individually controlled by the controller 108 and provided with a waveform or voltage (e.g., a DC voltage value), or switched between different waveforms or voltages depending on the desired function. Therefore, the individual electrodes 122a-x can be divided into several groups as needed and according to design considerations.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of exemplary regions of the SLIM device 104 is provided, showing that the individual electrodes 122a-x can be grouped into different regions based on the desired functionality of the individual electrodes 122a-x. For example, the SLIM device 104 may include a transport region 124, an accumulation region 126, and a separation region 128. The transport region 124 may have a traveling wave applied thereto that transports ions to the accumulation region 126. The accumulation region 126 may trap and accumulate ions, for example, through an implementation formed by one or more switch / gate electrodes. Once released from the accumulation region 126, the separation region 128 may separate and transport ions. Figure 3 The electrode arrangement shown can be implemented in any of the transmission region 124, accumulation region 126, and separation region 128, wherein a voltage is applied to the corresponding electrode that defines the function. For example, Figure 4 The first group of eight individual electrodes 122a-h can be implemented as the transmission region 124. Figure 4 The second group of eight individual electrodes 122i-p can be implemented as accumulation region 126, and Figure 4 The third group of eight individual electrodes 122q-x can be implemented as a separation region 128.

[0081] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the accumulation region 126 may be provided with multiple independent sets of continuous electrodes 118a-f and multiple independent sets of protective electrodes 116, which can be individually controlled by the controller 108 to apply different voltages. This configuration allows different RF and DC voltages to be applied to the accumulation region 126. For example, the amplitude of the RF voltage applied to the continuous electrodes 118a-f in the accumulation region 126 can be reduced to avoid ion excitation, and the RF voltage applied to the continuous electrodes 118a-f in the accumulation region 126 and the DC protective voltage applied to the protective electrodes 116 in the accumulation region 126 can be adjusted to match the voltage applied to the second set of individual electrodes 1221-p in the accumulation region 126.

[0082] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a first set of exemplary waveforms applied to regions 124, 126, 128 of SLIM device 104 and exemplary ion movement through regions 124, 126, 128. Transport region 124 has a first traveling wave 130 applied thereto, which transports ions 132a-c to accumulation region 126 along a propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis). The first traveling wave 130 may be generated by controller 108 and may be customized to transport ions 132a-c with or without separation based on mobility. Transport region 124 may include multiple individual electrodes 122a-x of each segmented electrode array 120a-e. For example, the first to eighth individual electrodes 122a-h of all segmented electrode arrays 120a-e may receive the first traveling wave 130 and transport ions 132a-c to accumulation region 126. The accumulation region 126 may partially overlap with the transmission region 124 because the first traveling wave 130 extends into the accumulation region 126.

[0083] Accumulation region 126 may have two different state / operation modes, such as a captured state and a released state, which may operate within different time periods. When in the captured state / operation mode, the first traveling wave 130 may extend into accumulation region 126 and into individual gate electrodes 131, such as the first individual electrode 122a of each segmented electrode array 120a-e in separation region 128 (e.g., Figure 4 The seventeenth individual electrode 122q) or the eighth individual electrode 122h of each segmented electrode array 120a-e in the accumulation region 126 (e.g., Figure 4The sixteenth separate electrode 122p can switch the signal applied thereto from the first traveling wave 130 to a signal configured to capture or prevent ions 132a-c from continuing to propagate. More specifically, the gate electrode receives a high DC potential voltage signal 134 from the controller 108, the potential of which is greater than the bias voltage of the first traveling wave 130. The bias voltage of the first traveling wave 130 is typically a fixed DC voltage applied to the first traveling wave 130 to offset the waveform. In this way, the first traveling wave 130 continuously propagates ions 132a-c, for example, supplied from the ionization source 102 to the SLIM device 104, along the propagation axis until the ions 132a-c reach the gate electrode 131, where they are stopped (e.g., repelled) by the high DC potential voltage signal 134. Nevertheless, the continuously circulating first traveling wave 130 prevents ions 132a-c from propagating in the opposite direction (e.g., in the negative z-axis direction), but instead captures ions 132a-c by continuously propelling them in the propagation direction (e.g., in the positive z-axis direction), counteracting the high DC potential voltage signal 134. This allows ions 132a-c to accumulate in the accumulation region 126. This essentially groups the ions 132a-c so that they can be collectively separated in the separation region 128.

[0084] Therefore, in operation, when in the capture state / operation mode, ions 132a-c can be continuously fed to the SLIM device 104 until a sufficient number of ions have accumulated, which can be determined by whether the space charge limit has been reached. More specifically, the space charge effect limits the maximum amount of charge that can be contained within a given length before ion discharge. Typically, in the SLIM device 104, there exists a space charge limit of approximately one million charges per millimeter path length. Therefore, if a single traveling band (e.g., combined with...) Figure 3 The electrode segment shown and described, comprising six RF electrodes 118a-f and five segmented electrode arrays 120a-e with eight individual electrodes 122a-h, is used to accumulate ions, and if the segment is, for example, nine millimeters long, then the space charge limit (e.g., accumulation capacity) is approximately nine million charges. That is, nine million charges can be accumulated before exceeding the space charge limit (at which point ions can be lost from the trap). Note that the space charge limit is based on the total charge value of all accumulated ions, not the number of ions. For example, some ions may have larger charge values, such as +40 or +50, and in this case, fewer ions will be accumulated compared to ions with a charge of +10. Furthermore, the foregoing assumes a single traveling band with six RF electrodes 118a-118f and five segmented electrode arrays 120a-e; however, if additional capacity is required, for example, to increase analytical sensitivity, additional rows can be added to increase the accumulation capacity per unit length. For example, a sixth segmented electrode array and an eighth continuous RF electrode can be added. Figure 3and Figure 4 The electrode configuration shown will provide additional space for ion accumulation.

[0085] The gate electrode 131 can be a switchable electrode, allowing it to operate in a captured state for a first period of time until a sufficient number of ions have accumulated, after which the signal applied to it can be switched to a release state, and the gate electrode 131 can operate in the release state for a second period of time. For example, the signal can be switched from a high DC potential voltage signal 134 to a second traveling wave 136, such that the signal is synchronized with the second traveling wave 136 applied to the separation region 128, which will cause the accumulated ions 132a-c to be released into the separation region 128. The second traveling wave 136, which can be generated by the controller 108, is applied to the electrode of the separation region 128, and the ions 132a-c are separated along the z-axis based on the mobility of the ions 132a-c, and the ions 132a-c are pushed toward the mass spectrometer 106 along the propagation direction (e.g., the z-axis) for analysis. The separation region 128 may include multiple individual electrodes 122a-x for each segmented electrode array 120a-e. For example, all segmented electrode arrays 120a-e (see Figure 4 The seventeenth to twenty-fourth individual electrodes 122q-x can receive the second traveling wave 136. Note that the transmission region 124 can also be used as a separation region, such that the first traveling wave 130 is the same as the second traveling wave 136, which can help to synchronize the first traveling wave 130 and the second traveling wave 136 when switching between the capture state / operation mode and the release state / operation mode.

[0086] Figure 7A It is a schematic block diagram showing a second set of exemplary waveforms applied to regions 124, 126, 128 of SLIM device 104 and exemplary ion movement through regions 124, 126, 128, including first release state waveforms (release states 1A and 1B). Figure 7B It is shown as follows Figure 7A The diagram shows a second set of exemplary waveforms, but with a second release state waveform.

[0087] As described above, a first traveling wave 130 is applied to the transport region 124 and transports ions 132a-c to the accumulation region 126 along the propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis). The first traveling wave 130 may be generated by the controller 108 and may be customized to transport ions 132a-c with or without separation based on mobility. The transport region 124 may include multiple individual electrodes 122a-x of each segmented electrode array 120a-e. For example, the first to eighth individual electrodes 122a-h of all segmented electrode arrays 120a-e may receive the first traveling wave 130 and transport ions 132a-c to the accumulation region 126. The accumulation region 126 may partially overlap with the transport region because the first traveling wave 130 extends into the accumulation region 126.

[0088] Accumulation region 126 may have two different state / operation modes, such as a capture state / operation mode and a release state / operation mode, and may operate within different time periods. When in the capture state / operation mode, a first traveling wave 130 may extend into accumulation region 126, and multiple gate / trap electrodes may switch the signal applied thereto from the first traveling wave 130 to a signal configured to capture or prevent ions 132a-c from continuing to propagate. For example, a pair of electrodes may be implemented as gate / trap electrodes, such as each segmented electrode array 120a-e in accumulation region 126 (see...). Figure 3 The first individual electrode 122a and the second individual electrode 122b (e.g., Figure 4 The ninth individual electrode 122i and the tenth individual electrode 122j) or each segmented electrode array 120a-e in the accumulation region 126 (see Figure 3 The seventh individual electrode 122g and the eighth individual electrode 122h (e.g., Figure 4 The fifteenth individual electrode 122o and the sixteenth individual electrode 122p), or each segmented electrode array 120a-e in the accumulation region 126 (see Figure 3 The individual electrodes 122a-h of the entire array (e.g., Figure 4 The ninth to sixteenth individual electrodes (122i-p) can be implemented as gate / well electrodes.

[0089] More specifically, the gate / well electrodes (e.g., the seventh electrode 122g and the eighth electrode 122h) receive a low DC potential voltage signal 140 from the controller 108 during a first time period. This generates a potential well (e.g., a DC potential well) with a potential lower than the bias voltage of the first traveling wave 130 and the second traveling wave 142 in the separation region 128. Thus, the first traveling wave 130 continuously propagates ions 132a-c, for example, supplied from the ionization source 102 to the SLIM device 104, along the propagation axis until the ions 132a-c reach the gate / well electrodes 122g and 122h, where they are captured because they cannot overcome the potential of the second traveling wave 142 in the separation region 128. Similarly, the continuously circulating first traveling wave 130 prevents the ions 132a-c from propagating in the opposite direction (e.g., in the negative z-axis direction) and captures the ions 132a-c within the low potential well 140, causing the ions 132a-c to accumulate in the accumulation region 126 (e.g., within the low potential well 140). This essentially groups ions 132a-c so that these ions can be collectively separated in separation region 128.

[0090] Therefore, during operation, when in the capture state / operation mode, ions 132a-c can be continuously fed into the SLIM device 104 until a sufficient number of ions have accumulated in the low-potential well 140 and the accumulation region 126, as described above, which can be determined by whether the space charge limit has been reached. However, since the accumulation region 126 (e.g., the low-potential well 140) extends across multiple electrodes, the capacity of the well can be controlled, and more than two electrodes can be used to generate the low-potential well in order to accumulate a greater number of ion charges. Furthermore, if additional capacity is required, for example, to increase the sensitivity of the analysis, additional rows can be added to increase the accumulation capacity per unit length. For example, a sixth segmented electrode array and an eighth continuous RF electrode can be added. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The electrode configuration shown will provide additional space for ion accumulation.

[0091] The gate / trap electrodes 122g and 122h can be switchable electrodes, allowing the applied signal to switch to a release state once a sufficient number of ions have accumulated. For example, ... Figure 7AAs shown in release state 1A, the signal applied to the gate / trap electrodes 122g, 122h can be switched from a low DC potential voltage signal 140 to a ramp DC potential voltage signal 144 (e.g., a DC potential gradient), which lowers the potential and passes through the gate / trap electrodes 122g, 122h to push the accumulated / captured ions 132a-c toward the separation region 128, resulting in the release of the accumulated ions 132a-c into the separation region 128. A second traveling wave 142, which may be generated by the controller 108, is applied to the separation region 128 and configured to dock or synchronize with the ramp DC potential voltage signal 144, such that the ions 132a-c are transported from the accumulation region 126 to the separation region 128 for propagation and separation. The second traveling wave 142 separates ions 132a-c along the z-axis based on the mobility of ions 132a-c and propels ions 132a-c toward the mass spectrometer 106 along the propagation direction (e.g., the z-axis) for analysis. The separation region 128 may include multiple individual electrodes 122a-x for each segmented electrode array 120a-e. For example, all segmented electrode arrays 120a-e (see...) Figure 4 The seventeenth to twenty-fourth individual electrodes 122q-x can receive the second traveling wave 142. Note that the transmission region 124 can also be used as a separation region, such that the first traveling wave 130 is the same as the second traveling wave 136.

[0092] Alternatively, such as Figure 7A As shown in release state 1B, the second traveling wave 142 may deviate from the first traveling wave 130; for example, a lower bias voltage may be applied to the second traveling wave 142 than to the first traveling wave 130. In this configuration, the DC potential voltage signal 140 may be configured to slope down from the bias voltage of the first traveling wave 130 to the bias voltage of the second traveling wave 142 to transition and propel ions 132a-132c from the accumulation region 126 to the separation region 128 for propagation and separation.

[0093] As an alternative to implementing the ramp DC potential voltage signal 144 during the release state / mode, the controller 108 may provide a third traveling wave 146 to the gate / well electrodes 122g, 122h when in the release state / mode, such as Figure 7B As shown, Figure 7BThe waveform of the second release state is shown. That is, the signal provided to the gate / trap electrodes 122g, 122h can be switched from a low DC potential voltage signal 140 to a third traveling wave 146, which can be configured to dock or synchronize with the first traveling wave 130 and / or the second traveling wave 142, such that the third traveling wave pushes the accumulated / captured ions 132a-c toward and into the separation region 128 to which the second traveling wave 142 is applied. The second traveling wave 142 can be generated by the controller 108 and configured to dock or synchronize with the third traveling wave 146, such that ions 132a-c are transferred from the accumulation region 126 to the separation region 128 for propagation and separation, as described above.

[0094] In addition, such as combining Figure 4 The accumulation region 126 may be provided with independent sets of continuous electrodes 118a-f and independent sets of protection electrodes 116, which can be individually controlled by the controller 108 to apply different voltages. This configuration allows different RF and DC voltages to be applied to the accumulation region 126. For example, when the accumulation region 126 is in a captured state and therefore receives a low DC potential voltage signal 140, the amplitude of the RF voltage applied to the continuous electrodes 118a-f in the accumulation region 126 can be reduced to avoid exciting ions, and the DC protection voltage applied to the protection electrodes 116 in the accumulation region 126 can be reduced to match the voltage applied to the individual electrodes 122i-p in the accumulation region 126, but maintained at a level that ensures ions do not leave from the side. Furthermore, when the accumulation region 126 is switched to a released state, the RF voltage applied to the continuous electrodes 118a-f and the DC protection voltage applied to the protection electrodes 116 can be adjusted, which involves changing the voltage signal applied to the individual electrodes 122i-p. For example, if the voltage signal applied to the individual electrode 122i-p increases during the release state, the DC protection voltage applied to the protection electrode 116 can be increased to ensure that ions do not escape from the side of the SLIM device 104.

[0095] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a third set of exemplary waveforms applied to exemplary regions 124, 126, and 128 of the SLIM device 104, and exemplary ion movement through regions 124, 126, and 128. Specifically, Figure 8An implementation of a reverse traveling wave for capturing and accumulating ions is illustrated. As described above, a first traveling wave 130 is applied to the transport region 124 and transports ions 132a-c to the accumulation region 126 along a propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis). The first traveling wave 130 may be generated by a controller 108 and may be customized to transport ions 132a-c with or without separation based on mobility. The transport region 124 may include multiple individual electrodes 122a-x of each segmented electrode array 120a-e. For example, the first to eighth individual electrodes 122a-h of all segmented electrode arrays 120a-e may receive the first traveling wave 130 and transport ions 132a-c to the accumulation region 126.

[0096] Similarly, the separation region 128 may have a second traveling wave 142 applied thereto, which may be generated by the controller 108. The separation region 128 may include a plurality of individual electrodes 122a-x for each segmented electrode array 120a-e. For example, all segmented electrode arrays 120a-e (see...) Figure 4 The seventeenth to twenty-fourth individual electrodes 122q-x can receive the second traveling wave 142. Therefore, the second traveling wave 142 can begin where the first traveling wave 130 ends. At this point, the second traveling wave 142 can be the same waveform as the first traveling wave 130, such that the first and second traveling waves essentially form a single continuous wave.

[0097] However, the SLIM device 104 may have two different state / operation modes, such as a capture state / operation mode and a release state / operation mode, operating within different time periods. When in the capture state / operation mode, the controller 108 may apply a third traveling wave 148 to the separation region for a period of time, for example, to the seventeenth to twenty-fourth individual electrodes 122q-x, which travels in the opposite direction to the first traveling wave 130, for example, along the negative z-axis toward the first traveling wave 130. Thus, the first traveling wave 130 and the third traveling wave 148 may be opposite waves that meet in the accumulation region 126. Furthermore, the third traveling wave 148 may have the same frequency and amplitude as the first traveling wave 124, but propagate in the opposite direction. In this configuration, the individual electrodes 122q-x of the separation region may be switchable, such that the controller 108 applies the third traveling wave 148 to them during the capture state / operation mode and applies a second traveling wave 142 to them in the release state / operation mode.

[0098] Thus, when the SLIM device 104 operates in the capture state / operation mode, a first traveling wave 130 continuously propagates ions 132a-c, for example, supplied to the SLIM device 104 from the ionization source 102, along the propagation axis until the ions 132a-c reach the accumulation region 126, for example, the point between the eighth electrode 122h and the ninth electrode 122i, where the ions stop due to the opposing first traveling wave 130 and third traveling wave 148. That is, while the first traveling wave 130 pushes the ions 132a-c in the positive direction of the z-axis, the second traveling wave 148 pushes the ions 132a-c in the opposite direction along the negative direction of the z-axis. Therefore, the continuously circulating third traveling wave 148 prevents the ions 132a-c from further propagating along the z-axis and through the SLIM device 104, and the continuously circulating first traveling wave 130 transports the ions 132a-c to the accumulation region 126 and subsequently prevents the ions 132a-c from propagating in the opposite direction, for example, in the negative direction along the z-axis. Conversely, the first traveling wave 130 and the third traveling wave 148 prevent ions 132a-c located in accumulation region 126 from traveling any significant distance along the z-axis, thereby trapping ions 132a-c and allowing them to accumulate in accumulation region 126. This essentially groups ions 132a-c so that they can be collectively separated in separation region 128.

[0099] Therefore, during operation, when in the capture state / operation mode, ions 132a-c can be continuously fed into the SLIM device 104 until a sufficient number of ions have accumulated in the accumulation region 126, as described above, which can be determined by whether the space charge limit has been reached. Furthermore, if additional capacity is required, for example, to increase analytical sensitivity, additional rows can be added to increase the accumulation capacity per unit length. For example, a sixth segmented electrode array and an eighth continuous RF electrode can be added. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The electrode configuration shown will provide additional space for ion accumulation.

[0100] As previously described, the electrodes 122q-x in the separation region can be switchable electrodes, allowing the applied signal to be switched to a release state once a sufficient number of ions have accumulated. For example, this signal can be switched from a third traveling wave 148 to a second traveling wave 142 in sync with a first traveling wave 130 applied to the transmission region, causing the accumulated ions 132a-c to be released into the separation region 128. A second traveling wave 136, which can be generated by the controller 108, is applied to the separation region 128, separating ions 132a-c along the z-axis based on their mobility and propelling them toward the mass spectrometer 106 along the propagation direction (e.g., the z-axis) for detection. Note that the transmission region 124 can also be used as a separation region, such that the first traveling wave 130 is identical to the second traveling wave 136, which can facilitate the synchronization of the first and second traveling waves 130 and 136 when switching between the capture / operation mode and the release / operation mode.

[0101] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary arrangement of the transport region 124, accumulation region 126, and separation region 128 for ion accumulation and separation in the IMS system 100 of this disclosure. Figure 9 As shown, the IMS system 100 may include multiple transport regions 124, accumulation regions 126, and separation regions 128 to further improve resolution. Note that this disclosure contemplates alternative arrangements and configurations. In this regard, note that the different regions 124, 126, and 128 need not be placed in a straight line. Instead, for example, the transport region 124 may be placed perpendicular to the accumulation region 126 or the separation region 128. Furthermore, a gate can be implemented using this disclosure to, for example, control the flow of ions from the transport region 124 to the accumulation region 126, or from the separation region 128 to the second accumulation region 126.

[0102] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary accumulation region 150 of this disclosure, which can be implemented, for example, in conjunction with Figures 5 to 9 The accumulation region 126 shown and described. That is to say, it should be understood that the description of the accumulation region 126 and its function also applies to... Figure 10 The accumulation region 150 shown includes the waveform, capture state, and release state applied above.

[0103] The accumulation region 150 includes an inlet section 152, an inlet transition section 154, an ion accumulation section 156, an outlet transition section 158, and an outlet section 160. Each section 150-160 typically includes multiple rows of continuous electrodes 162 and multiple segmented electrode arrays 164, the number of which can vary between sections 150-160, as discussed in more detail below. In this respect, some rows of the continuous electrodes 162 and the segmented electrode arrays 164 may extend through more than one section 150-160, wherein some rows extend through all sections 150-160 of the accumulation region 150, such as... Figure 10 As shown. Continuous electrode 162 can be substantially similar to a combination. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The continuous electrodes 118a-f shown and described, and the segmented electrode array 164 can be substantially similar to the combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 The multiple segmented electrode arrays 120a-e shown and described. Similar to the segmented electrode arrays 120a-e, the segmented electrode array 164 may include multiple individual electrodes 122a-h. It should also be noted that, for ease of illustration, in Figure 10 Instead of labeling each continuous electrode 162, segmented electrode array 164, and individual electrodes 122a-h, the appropriate number of elements are labeled.

[0104] Inlet portion 152 and outlet portion 160 may each include, for example, six rows of continuous electrodes 118a-f and five segmented electrode arrays 165. However, it should be understood that more or fewer rows and segmented electrode arrays may be included. Inlet portion 152 may be configured to receive ions from another portion of SLIM device 104, while outlet portion 160 may be configured to supply ions to another portion of SLIM device 104. For example, inlet portion 152 and outlet portion 160 may be located adjacent to transmission region 124, separation region 128, different accumulation regions 126, 150, or any other region of SLIM device 104 to receive or supply ions thereto. Thus, voltage signals (e.g., traveling wave voltage signals) applied to the individual electrodes 122a-h of the segmented electrode array 165 of inlet portion 152 and outlet portion 160 may be coordinated with voltage signals applied to adjacent portions of SLIM device 104, such that these voltage signals are fully integrated and compatible. It should also be understood that this disclosure contemplates at least one embodiment in which the inlet portion 152 may additionally and / or alternatively be implemented as an outlet, and the outlet portion 160 may additionally and / or alternatively be implemented as an inlet. For example, the ion accumulation portion 156 may not only be implemented for accumulating ions, but may also be implemented as a switching region that selectively directs ions to the inlet portion 152 (used as an outlet) or the outlet portion 160.

[0105] The inlet transition portion 154 extends from the inlet portion 152 to the ion accumulation portion 156, and its width increases as it advances along the z-axis from the inlet portion 152 to the ion accumulation portion 156. Therefore, the width of the inlet transition portion 154 along the y-axis is greater near the ion accumulation portion 156 than near the inlet portion 152. Furthermore, as the width of the inlet transition portion 154 widens, the number of rows of the continuous electrode 162 and the segmented electrode array 164 gradually increases. Conversely, the outlet transition portion 158 gradually tapers and its width decreases as it advances along the z-axis from the ion accumulation portion 156 to the outlet portion 160. Therefore, the width of the outlet transition portion 158 along the y-axis is greater near the ion accumulation portion 156 than near the outlet portion 160. Furthermore, as the width of the outlet transition portion 158 decreases, the number of rows of the continuous electrode 162 and the segmented electrode array 164 gradually decreases.

[0106] The accumulation region 150 is designed such that the ion accumulation region 156 is wider than the inlet portion 152, the outlet portion 160, and / or other portions of the path through the SLIM device 104, for example, along a path perpendicular to the ion propagation axis. Figure 10 The accumulation region 150 is also designed such that the inlet transition portion 154 and the outlet transition portion 158 provide a gradual transition between the inlet portion 152 and the outlet portion 160 and the accumulation portion 156. Therefore, the accumulation portion 156 includes more rows of electrodes than other portions of the path through the SLIM device 104, for example, more rows of continuous electrodes 162 and segmented electrode array 164. For example, as... Figure 10 As shown, the accumulation section 156 may include 16 rows of continuous electrodes 162 and 15 segmented electrode arrays 164, while the inlet section 152 and outlet section 160, designed to engage with other parts of the path through the SLIM device 104, include 6 rows of continuous electrodes 162 and 5 segmented electrode arrays 164.

[0107] Furthermore, the segmented electrode array 164 of the accumulation section 156 can be divided into multiple groups or segments, such as in combination with Figure 5 As described above. For example, each segmented electrode array 164 of the accumulation section 156 may include three groups or three segments of eight individual electrodes 122a-h (e.g., twenty-four electrodes). The number of individual electrodes 122a-h in each group of segmented electrode arrays and / or each group of segmented electrode arrays may be increased or decreased depending on the implementation and experimental needs. Furthermore, the individual electrodes 122a-h of the segmented electrode array 164 of the accumulation section 156 may receive traveling wave signals independent of the transition sections 154, 158, the inlet section 152, and the outlet section 160, which allows the traveling wave direction, and thus the direction in which ions travel through the accumulation section 156, to be switched as needed. It should also be understood that the accumulation region 150 may be combined with... Figures 6 to 8 Operate in the same manner as shown and described.

[0108] Furthermore, each segmented electrode array 164 of the accumulation section 156 may have one or more gate electrodes 166, such as the eighth electrode 122h of the third segmented electrode array group. These gate electrodes may have signals applied thereto to trap or prevent ions 132a-c from continuing to propagate through the accumulation region 150. More specifically, the gate electrodes 166 may receive a high DC voltage signal from the controller 108 and thereby generate a high DC electric field (V / m) to trap ions within the accumulation section 156 as ions are supplied to the accumulation section through the individual electrodes 122a-h preceding the inlet section 152, the inlet transition section 154, and the gate electrodes 166. The accumulated ions are also held laterally (e.g., on the y-axis) by DC protection electrodes 168 located on the sides of portions 152-160 of the accumulation region 150 and, according to the combination... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The protective electrode 116 shown and described functions. The extended width of the accumulation portion 156, compared to a narrower accumulation portion (e.g., an accumulation portion 156 with the same width as the inlet portion 152 or the rest of the path through the SLIM device 104), allows it to accommodate more ions before encountering space charge issues.

[0109] Once the required number of ions have accumulated in the accumulation section 156, the high DC voltage signal can be removed, and a traveling wave signal can be applied, which is coordinated with the traveling wave signals applied to the other individual electrodes 122a-h within the accumulation section 156 and the traveling wave signal applied to the outlet transition section 158. Once the high DC voltage signal is removed and the traveling wave signal is applied, the ions will be pushed into the outlet transition section 158.

[0110] As previously described, the outlet transition section 158 gradually tapers from the ion accumulation section 156 to the outlet section 160. For example, Figure 10The exit transition section 158 shown narrows from 31 rows to 11 rows. This tapering allows ions to exit the accumulation section 156 and travel to the exit section 160 while generally avoiding reaching the space charge limit and discharging due to the space charge effect. At this point, faster ions (e.g., ions with higher ion mobility) will leave the accumulation section 156 faster than slower ions, causing ions to separate as they pass through the exit transition section 158. Therefore, a larger area is needed immediately adjacent to the gate electrode 166 to accommodate the accumulated charge of the released ions that have not yet been separated at the beginning of the exit transition section 158 and to prevent ions from reaching the space charge limit. However, as ions separate, the accumulated charge of ions released at any given location along the length of the exit transition section 158 will decrease, allowing the width of the exit transition section 158 to gradually decrease to match the width of the exit section 160. Furthermore, ions are held within the exit transition section 158 and prevented from leaving laterally (e.g., along the y-axis) by the DC protection electrode 168. It should be understood that the length of the outlet transition section 158 and the slope of its taper can be adjusted according to the amount of charge accumulated in the ion accumulation region 156. For example, Figure 10 The outlet transition section 158 shown has a length of 16 individual electrodes 122a-h, for example, two sets of eight individual electrodes 122a-h, but eight individual electrodes 122a-h may also be provided if sufficient. The outlet section 160 receives ions from the outlet transition section 158 and transfers the ions to another part of the SLIM device 104.

[0111] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic diagram of an exemplary accumulation region 150 is provided, wherein a lateral inlet portion 170 is connected to the accumulation region. Specifically, in some aspects of this disclosure, one or both lateral sides of the ion accumulation portion 156 may have openings therein, with the lateral inlet portion 170 located nearby. The lateral inlet portion 170 may be substantially similar to the inlet portion 152 and may include multiple rows of continuous electrodes 162 and multiple segmented electrode arrays 164 comprising multiple individual electrodes 122a-h (oriented vertically along the y-axis, rather than horizontally along the z-axis as in the inlet portion 152). The lateral inlet portion 170 is configured to directly transport ions into the ion accumulation portion 156.

[0112] The ion accumulation portion 156 can be used to accumulate ions, and can be combined with the above. Figure 10The provided description is effective. Specifically, gate electrodes 166a, 166b may receive a high DC voltage signal from controller 108 and thereby generate a high DC electric field (V / m) to trap ions within accumulation section 156 when ions are supplied to accumulation section 156 through lateral inlet portion 170. In this respect, ion accumulation section 156 may include two sets of gate electrodes 166a, 166b located on opposite sides therebetween, providing a confinement region therebetween.

[0113] Once the required number of ions have accumulated in the accumulation section 156, the ions can be transferred to the exit section 160 or the inlet section 152, which can be used as an exit section as long as an appropriate traveling wave is applied to it and the inlet transition section 154. Specifically, if ions are sent to the exit section 160, a high DC voltage signal is removed from the right gate electrode 166b, and a traveling wave signal traveling in the positive direction along the z-axis is applied to the individual electrodes 122a-h within the accumulation section 156 to push the ions into the exit transition section 158, and subsequently into the exit section 160, where these ions can be provided to another path portion of the SLIM device 104. Alternatively, if ions are to be sent to the inlet section 152, the high DC voltage signal is removed from the left gate electrode 166a, and a traveling wave signal traveling in the negative z-axis direction is applied to the accumulation section 156, the inlet transition section 154 (operating in a similar manner to the outlet transition section 158), and the inlet section 152 (operating in a similar manner to the outlet section 160) to push ions into the inlet transition section 154 and subsequently into the inlet section 152, where these ions can be supplied to another path portion of the SLIM device 104. Therefore, the ion accumulation section 156 is independently controllable and can be used to guide ions in different directions. Thus, the accumulation region 150 can be used not only for ion accumulation but also as a direction switch. It should also be understood that the accumulation region 150 can also be used as a direction switch without first accumulating ions.

[0114] Furthermore, it should be understood that transition portions 154 and 158 may have substantially similar configurations and dimensions, for example, having the same length and / or slope, or having different configurations and / or shapes, such as... Figure 11 As shown. For example, the design of transition sections 154 and 158 can be specifically customized based on the desired implementation and the path portion of the SLIM device 104 located thereafter.

[0115] 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, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection 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, similarly named components of embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, within a specific embodiment, not every feature of every similarly named component is necessarily described in detail.

[0116] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuits or computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structural means disclosed herein, their structural equivalents, or combinations thereof. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, for example, one or more computer programs tangibly contained in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device) or contained in a propagating signal, for execution or control of the operation of a data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). Computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, 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 standalone programs or as modules, components, subroutines, or other units 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, stored in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or stored in multiple collaborative files (e.g., a file storing one or more modules, subroutines, or code portions). A computer program can be deployed to execute on a single computer or multiple computers located in one location or distributed across multiple locations and interconnected by a communication network.

[0117] The processes and logic 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 outputs. These processes and logic flows can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry, and the apparatus of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as special-purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0118] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors in any type of digital computer. Typically, a processor can receive 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 storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer may also include or be operatively coupled to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from or transfer data to them, or both. Information carriers suitable for containing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, for example, semiconductor storage 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 incorporated therein by dedicated logic circuitry.

[0119] To provide interaction with the user, the subjects described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor for displaying information to the user) and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can 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 input from the user can be received in any form, including auditory, speech, or tactile input.

[0120] The techniques described herein can be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term "module" refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and / or various combinations thereof. However, at a minimum, a module should not be construed as software not implemented in 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 can be combined, integrated, separated, and / or replicated to support a variety of applications. Furthermore, instead of functions performed at a particular module or in addition to functions performed at a particular module, the functions described herein that perform at a particular module may be performed at one or more other modules and / or by one or more other devices. Furthermore, these modules may be implemented across multiple devices and / or as other components that are local or remote to each other. Furthermore, modules may be moved from one device and added to another device, and / or may be included in both devices.

[0121] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes backend components (e.g., a data server), middleware components (e.g., an application server), or frontend components (e.g., a client computer with a graphical user interface or web browser through which a user can interact with embodiments of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such backend, middleware, and frontend components. The components of the system can be interconnected via digital data communication (e.g., a communication network) of any form or medium. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (“LANs”) and wide area networks (“WANs”), such as the Internet.

[0122] Throughout the specification and claims, approximate language as used herein may be used to modify any permissible variation in quantitative expressions without altering the underlying function associated with them. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms (e.g., "approximately" and "substantially") are not limited to specified exact values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Scope limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims to define such scopes and include all subscopes contained herein, unless otherwise indicated by context or language.

Claims

1. An apparatus for ion accumulation, comprising: A first region is configured to receive ions and generate a first driving potential, the first driving potential being configured to guide the ions through the first region; as well as A second region, which is adjacent to the first region and configured to receive the ions from the first region, switches between a first state and a second state, the second region including one or more segmented electrodes, each of the one or more segmented electrodes extending axially across the second region and generating a first electric field when the second region is in the first state, and generating a second electric field when the second region is in the second state. The first electric field includes a second driving potential and a gate potential generated by the one or more segmented electrodes. The first electric field is configured to prevent the ions from entering a third region adjacent to the second region. The second electric field includes a third driving potential configured to guide the ions toward the third region. When the second region is in the first state, the first electric field prevents ions in the second region from leaving the second region and returning to the first region, and causes the ions to accumulate in the second region. When the second region is in the second state, the second electric field causes the ions to move toward the third region.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first electric field is generated by DC voltage.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The magnitude of the DC voltage is greater than the bias voltage of the first driving potential.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The second electric field is a traveling wave.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The magnitude of the DC voltage is less than the bias voltage of the first driving potential, and the DC voltage generates a potential well.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The second electric field is a DC potential gradient or traveling wave.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The first electric field is a first traveling wave, and the second electric field is a second traveling wave traveling in the opposite direction to the first traveling wave.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The third region is configured to receive the ions from the second region and generate the second driving potential, which is configured to separate the ions based on mobility.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first region includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on a first surface, arranged along a first direction, and configured to generate the first driving potential.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, comprising: The controller is configured as follows: A first voltage signal is applied to the plurality of electrodes in the first region, the plurality of electrodes being configured to generate the first driving potential based on the first voltage signal. A second voltage signal is applied segmentally to at least one of the one or more segmented electrodes in the second region, the at least one electrode being configured to generate the first electric field based on the second voltage signal. A third voltage signal is applied to at least one electrode segment of the one or more segmented electrodes in the second region, the at least one electrode segment being configured to generate the second electric field based on the third voltage signal. Specifically, when the device is in a first operating mode, the controller applies the second voltage signal to at least one of the one or more segmented electrodes, thereby placing the second region in the first state; and when the device is in a second operating mode, the controller applies the third voltage signal to at least one of the one or more segmented electrodes, thereby placing the second region in the second state.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When the second region is in the first state, the first part of the second region generates the first electric field; when the second region is in the second state, the first part of the second region generates the second electric field; and the second part of the second region generates a third electric field different from the first electric field.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second region includes multiple rows of radio frequency (RF) electrodes and multiple traveling wave (TW) electrode arrays, each of which includes at least three individual electrodes.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, When the second region is in the first state, the first electric field is generated by at least one individual electrode of each of the plurality of TW electrode arrays.

14. A method for ion accumulation, comprising: An apparatus for ion accumulation that introduces ions into a first region, a second region adjacent to the first region, and a third region adjacent to the second region; A driving potential is generated in the first region to guide the ions through the first region in a first direction; The ions are transported from the first region to the second region using the driving potential; When the second region is in the first state, one or more segmented electrodes extending axially across the second region are used to generate a first electric field in the second region to prevent the ions from entering the third region. The first electric field includes a second driving potential and a gate potential generated by the segmented electrodes. Ions are accumulated in the second region using the gate potential; as well as The first electric field generated by the one or more segmented electrodes in the second region is switched to a second electric field to guide the accumulated ions toward the third region in the first direction.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The first electric field is generated by DC voltage.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The magnitude of the DC voltage is greater than the bias voltage of the driving potential.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The second electric field is a traveling wave.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The magnitude of the DC voltage is less than the bias voltage of the driving potential, and the DC voltage generates a potential well.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The second electric field is a DC potential gradient or traveling wave.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first electric field is a first traveling wave, and the second electric field is a second traveling wave traveling in the opposite direction to the first traveling wave.

21. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The method further includes: The ions accumulated in the second region are transported to the third region; A second driving potential is generated in the third region; and The ions are separated based on mobility using the second driving potential.

22. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The first region includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on a first surface, arranged along the first direction, and configured to generate a first driving potential.

23. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The first part of the second region generates the first electric field and the second electric field, and the second part of the second region generates a third electric field that is different from the first electric field.

24. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The second region includes multiple rows of radio frequency (RF) electrodes and multiple traveling wave (TW) electrode arrays, each of which includes at least three individual electrodes.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, When the second region is in the first state, the first electric field is generated by at least one individual electrode of each of the plurality of TW electrode arrays.

26. An ion accumulation device, comprising: An ion accumulation section having a first width and configured to receive ions, switching between a first state and a second state, wherein when the ion accumulation section is in the first state, a first electric field is generated using one or more segmented electrodes extending axially across the length of the ion accumulation section, and when the ion accumulation section is in the second state, a second electric field is generated using the one or more segmented electrodes. An exit portion having a second width less than the first width, the exit portion being configured to generate a third electric field, the third electric field being configured to guide the ions through the exit portion; as well as An exit transition portion extends between the ion accumulation portion and the exit portion and has a tapered width that decreases from a first width adjacent to the ion accumulation portion to a second width adjacent to the exit portion. The exit transition portion is configured to generate the third electric field to guide the ions through the exit transition portion to the exit portion. The first electric field is configured to accumulate ions in the ion accumulation section and prevent the ions from entering the outlet transition section. The first electric field includes a drive potential and a gate potential generated by the segmented electrodes. Wherein, the second electric field is configured to guide the ions toward the outlet transition portion in a first direction, and When the ion accumulation portion is in the first state, the first electric field prevents ions in the ion accumulation portion from leaving the ion accumulation portion and causes the ions to accumulate in the ion accumulation portion. When the ion accumulation portion is in the second state, the second electric field causes the ions to move toward the outlet transition portion in the first direction.

27. The ion accumulation device according to claim 26, comprising: The entrance portion has a third width that is smaller than the first width; as well as An inlet transition portion extends between the inlet portion and the ion accumulation portion, and has a tapered width that increases from the third width adjacent to the inlet portion to the first width adjacent to the ion accumulation portion. The inlet portion and the inlet transition portion are configured to generate a fourth electric field to guide the ions through the inlet portion and the inlet transition portion to the ion accumulation portion.

28. The ion accumulation device according to claim 26, wherein, The second electric field is a traveling wave traveling in the first direction, and the ion accumulation portion is configured to switch from generating the second electric field to generating a fourth electric field, which is a traveling wave traveling in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

29. The ion accumulation device according to claim 26, wherein, The first electric field is generated by DC voltage.

30. The ion accumulation device according to claim 26, wherein, The first part of the ion accumulation section generates the first electric field, and the second part of the ion accumulation section generates a fourth electric field different from the first electric field.

31. The ion accumulation device according to claim 26, wherein, The ion accumulation section includes multiple rows of radio frequency (RF) electrodes and multiple traveling wave (TW) electrode arrays, each of which includes at least three individual electrodes.

32. The ion accumulation device according to claim 31, wherein, The first electric field is generated by at least one individual electrode of each of the plurality of TW electrode arrays.

33. The ion accumulation device according to claim 26, wherein, The ion accumulation device includes an inlet portion located at a lateral side of the ion accumulation portion and configured to supply ions to the ion accumulation portion.

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