Additive Manufacturing of Ion Optics

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to additive manufacturing of ion optical devices. A method of manufacturing an ion optical device includes printing an ion optical device in a printing direction from a first end to a second end. The ion optical device includes a first end support at the first end, a first group of rods extending from the first end support and formed with a first group of rings, a second group of rods extending from the first end support and formed with a second group of rings, and a second end support at the second end to which the first group of rods and the second group of rods extend. Cutting the first end support and the second end support from the ion optical device defines a first circuit through the first group of rods and the first group of rings and a second circuit through the second group of rods and the second group of rings, the first circuit and the second circuit being electrically isolated from each other.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 587,636, filed on October 3, 2023, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to mass spectrometers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to additive manufacturing methods for making ion optical devices used in mass spectrometers. Background Art

[0004] Ion optical devices are well known in the field of mass spectrometers. Ion optical devices generally include an ion guide having a plurality of metal rods symmetrically arranged around a central axis. Voltage is applied to the rods to generate an electric field within a field radius, which is the distance from the central axis to the nearest rod. When voltage is applied, the rods act as electrodes. A plurality of rods (or electrodes) are divided into two groups (or pairs). The first pair of electrodes receives a first voltage, while the second pair of electrodes receives a second voltage. The second voltage is equal in magnitude to the first voltage but opposite in polarity. The electrodes are arranged around the central axis to alternate between one electrode in the first group (or first pair) of electrodes and one electrode in the second group (or second pair) of electrodes. In other words, each rod (or electrode) alternates between the first pair of electrodes and the second pair of electrodes around the central axis. The alternating voltage of the electrodes generates an electric potential to guide ions along the ion guide. Known ion optical devices are relatively complex and include a plurality of auxiliary components to facilitate the structure and operational functions of the ion optical device. The rods and auxiliary components are manufactured using complex methods and assembled using specialized tools. In addition, as the size and scale of the ion optical device decrease, the individual geometries of the associated components become more complex. Therefore, there is a need to develop improved manufacturing systems for producing ion optical devices. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one example of an embodiment, a method for manufacturing an ion optical device assembly includes: printing an ion optical device in a printing direction using additive manufacturing, the ion optical device including a plurality of rods, a plurality of rings connected to the rods, and end supports connected to the plurality of rods, the ion optical device defining a central axis parallel to the printing direction; finishing a surface of the ion optical device; removing the end support from the ion optical device; and connecting a shield to the plurality of rings.

[0006] In another example of an embodiment, printing the ion optical device is performed using a 3D printer.

[0007] In another example of an embodiment, the method further includes printing a plurality of print supports together with the ion optical device using additive manufacturing.

[0008] In another example of an embodiment, the method further includes removing the plurality of printing supports from the ion optical device after the printing step.

[0009] In another example of an embodiment, the method further includes removing the end support from the ion optical device to produce the first circuit and the second circuit.

[0010] In another example of an embodiment, the method further includes printing the plurality of fillets along with the ion optical device using additive manufacturing.

[0011] In another example of an embodiment, the plurality of rods includes a first plurality of rods and a second plurality of rods, the plurality of rings includes a first ring and a second ring, and the first ring is electrically connected to the first plurality of rods and the second ring is electrically connected to the second plurality of rods.

[0012] In another example of an embodiment, printing ion optics is performed using metal.

[0013] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of an ion guide manufactured using the improved manufacturing method prior to removal of an end support.

[0015] Figure 2A It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one of the multiple rings taken along line 2a-2a, wherein one of the end supports is removed.

[0016] Figure 2B It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another ring of the plurality of rings taken along line 2b-2b, with the same of the end supports removed.

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an ion guide assembly located within a mount, the ion guide assembly comprising Figure 1 The ion guide (after the end supports are removed) and shield.

[0018] Figure 4 Is manufacturing Figure 3 Schematic diagram of an example of a method of ion guide assembly.

[0019] Figure 5 During manufacturing Figure 1A perspective view of a portion of an ion guide showing multiple supports between the print bed and one of the multiple rings and between two of the rings, and depicting an imaginary box surrounding the ring layer and rod layer for clarity.

[0020] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing an ion guide used in an ion optical device of a mass spectrometer. The ion guide is used in a mass spectrometer to accelerate ions. The ion guide includes two groups of conductive rods spaced equidistantly around a central axis. The first group of rods (also referred to as a first pair of electrodes) is configured to receive a first alternating current having a first voltage. The second group of rods (also referred to as a second pair of electrodes) is configured to receive a second alternating current having a second voltage equal to the first voltage but with opposite polarity. The voltage applied to each pair of rods (or electrodes) alternates between the first voltage and the second voltage. The speed of the alternating change in voltage or frequency accelerates the ions along the central axis.

[0022] Figure 1 An improved ion guide 10 of an ion optical device 10 for use in a mass spectrometer (not shown) is shown. The ion guide 10 includes a plurality of rods 14 (also referred to as a plurality of electrodes 14) and is manufactured using an improved manufacturing process using additive manufacturing (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) printing technology). The plurality of rods 14 include a first group of rods 16 (or a first pair of rods 16) and a second group of rods 18 (or a second pair of rods 18), which will be discussed in further detail below. Each rod 14 defines a circular cross-sectional shape (e.g., Figure 2A and Figure 2B ). Thus, the rods 14 shown are generally cylindrical. In other examples of embodiments, the rods 14 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular, hyperbolic, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, each rod 14 is solid. However, in other examples of embodiments, each rod 14 may be hollow (or substantially hollow). The rods 14 are formed of a conductive material to conduct electricity. Thus, the rods 14 are formed of a metal (or metal alloy), such as titanium, stainless steel, or any other suitable conductive material.

[0023] Each rod 14 defines a first end 20, a second end 22 opposite the first end 20, and a central portion 26 located between the first end 20 and the second end 22. The first end 20 and the second end 22 of each rod 14 are aligned with the central axis 28. In other words, the first end 20 and the second end 22 of each rod 14 are oriented parallel to the central axis 28. The ion guide 10 shown includes a bend 30 (or arcuate portion 30) in the central portion 26 of each rod 14. The bend 30 of each rod 14 is aligned so that each rod 14 maintains an equal radial distance from the central axis 28 through the central portion 26. The ion guide 10 including the bend 30 in the central portion 26 can be referred to as having a C-trap to facilitate ion implantation. In other examples of embodiments, the central portion 26 can be in line (or aligned) with the central axis 28. In these embodiments, each rod 14 is oriented parallel to the central axis 28 along the length of the rod 14. In other examples of embodiments, one (or both) of the ends 20, 22 of each rod 14 can be misaligned relative to the central portion 26. As a non-limiting example, the first end 20 may be oriented parallel to the central axis 28, while the second end 22 is oriented at an oblique angle (or perpendicular angle) relative to the central axis 28. In this example, the ion guide 10 may be referred to as a curved oblate.

[0024] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the ion guide 10 includes a first end support 32 and a second end support 34. The first end support 32 is coupled to the first end 20 of the rod 14, and the second end support 34 is coupled to the second end 22 of the rod 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end support 32 and the second end support 34 are integrally formed with the rod 14. The first end support 32 and the second end support 34 are configured to assist in alignment of the rod 14 during manufacturing. Once manufacturing of the rod 14 is complete, the first end support 32 and the second end support 34 are configured to be removed from the rod 14, as described in more detail below.

[0025] Continue to refer Figure 1, the ion guide 10 includes a plurality of rings 36. The rings 36 protrude radially from the rods 14. The plurality of rings 36 shown include a first group of rings 38 (also referred to as a first pair of rings 38) and a second group of rings 42 (also referred to as a second pair of rings 42). The first group of rings 38 is connected to the first group of rods 16. The first group of rings 38 and the first group of rods 16 form part of a first circuit, which will be discussed in further detail below. The second group of rings 42 is connected to the second group of rods 18. The second group of rings 42 and the second group of rods 18 form part of a second circuit, which will also be discussed in further detail below. The first group of rings 38 shown includes a first ring 40a and a second ring 40b. In other examples of embodiments, the first group of rings 38 may include a single ring or three or more rings. The second group of rings 42 shown includes a third ring 44a and a fourth ring 44b. In other examples of embodiments, the second group of rings 42 may include a single ring or three or more rings.

[0026] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the first ring 40a and the third ring 44a are located near the first end 20. The first ring 40a is located between the first end 20 and the third ring 44a. The first ring 40a and the third ring 44a are separated by a first distance 46. The second ring 40b and the fourth ring 44b are located near the second end 22. The fourth ring 44b is located between the second ring 40b and the second end 22. The second ring 40b and the fourth ring 44b are separated by a second distance 50. The first distance 46 and the second distance 50 shown are equal. In other examples of embodiments, the first distance 46 and the second distance 50 can be different. In addition, the first distance 46 and the second distance 50 can be any suitable or desired distance between the associated rings 40a, 44a and 40b, 44b.

[0027] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , each of the first group of rods 16 and the second group of rods 18 includes N rods 14. N can be any suitable integer. In the illustrated embodiment, N is equal to four, so that each group of rods 16, 18 includes four rods 14. Therefore, the illustrated ion guide 10 includes a total of eight rods 14. An ion guide 10 having a total of eight rods 14 may also be referred to as an octopole 10, because the ion guide 10 includes four rods 14 in the first group of rods 16 and four rods 14 in the second group of rods 18. In other examples of embodiments, the ion guide 10 may generally be referred to as a multipole ion guide 10, because the multipole defines N first rods 16 (or first pair of electrodes 16) and N second rods 18 (or second pair of electrodes 18). In one example, N may be equal to two, so that the ion guide 10 includes a total of four rods 14 to form a quadrupole.

[0028] Each ring 36 is coupled to one of the two sets of rods 16, 18. More specifically, each ring 36 is integrally formed with one of the two sets of rods 16, 18. Figure 2A , the first set of rods 16 are coupled to the first inner surface 52 of the first ring 40a. More specifically, the first set of rods 16 are integrally formed with the first inner surface 52 of the first ring 40a. The second set of rods 18 are separate from the first ring 40a. In other words, the second set of rods 18 are electrically independent of the first ring 40a. The first inner surface 52 defines the circumference of the first central hole 54 of the first ring 40a. The second rods 18 are located in the first central hole 54. The second rods 18 may be spaced apart from the first inner surface 52. In other words, a gap may be located between each of the second rods 18 and the first inner surface 52. The first ring 40a and the second ring 40b shown are substantially identical. Although not shown, the second ring 40b includes the same features as the first ring 40a described herein.

[0029] Return to reference Figure 1 , the first set of rods 16 are coupled to the first ring 40a and the second ring 40b. More specifically, the first set of rods 16, the first ring 40a and the second ring 40b are integrally formed. Since the ion guide 10 is made of a conductive material, the first set of rods 16, the first ring 40a and the second ring 40b are electrically connected.

[0030] refer to Figure 2B , the second set of rods 18 are coupled to the third inner surface 56 of the third ring 44a. More specifically, the second set of rods 18 are integrally formed with the third inner surface 56 of the third ring 44a. The first set of rods 16 are separated from the third ring 44a. In other words, the first set of rods 16 are electrically independent of the third ring 44a. The third inner surface 56 defines a third central hole 58. The first rods 16 are located in the third central hole 58. The first rods 16 may be spaced apart from the third inner surface 56. In other words, a gap may be located between each of the first rods 16 and the third inner surface 56. The third ring 44a and the fourth ring 44b shown are substantially identical. Although not shown, the fourth ring 44b includes the same features as the third ring 44a described herein.

[0031] Return to reference Figure 1 , the second set of rods 18 is coupled to the third ring 44a and the fourth ring 44b. More specifically, the second set of rods 18, the third ring 44a and the fourth ring 44b are integrally formed. Since the ion guide is made of a conductive material, the second set of rods 18, the third ring 44a and the fourth ring 44b are electrically connected.

[0032] Return to reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the ion guide 10 may include a plurality of rounded corners 74. Figure 2A As shown, a fillet 74 is formed between each first rod 16 and the first inner surface 52. Figure 2BAs shown, a fillet 74 is formed between each second rod 18 and the third inner surface 56. Each fillet 74 shown defines an arcuate surface. The arcuate surface can have any desired radius. The radius of the arcuate surface can be adjusted to achieve a desired cross-sectional area of ​​the ion guide 10. Therefore, the fillet 74 can increase the structural rigidity of the ion guide 10 by strengthening the connection between the corresponding rod 16, 18 and the associated ring 40a, 44a. Additionally or alternatively, the fillet 74 can increase the conductivity of the ion guide 10 by promoting improved current flow between the corresponding rod 16, 18 and the associated ring 40a, 44a. Figure 5 The fillet 74 is discussed in more detail.

[0033] refer to Figure 3 , the second ring 40b may include a plurality of annular rings 62 located on a side surface of the second ring 40b. The annular rings 62 may be oriented parallel to the second center hole 64. The second center hole 64 is defined by a second inner surface 65 of the second ring 40b. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular rings 62 are triangular in shape. In other examples of embodiments, the annular rings 62 may have any suitable or desired shape (e.g., circular, rectangular, etc.). In other examples of embodiments, the second ring 40b does not include any annular rings 62. The annular rings 62 may reduce the amount of metal material in the second ring 40b, thereby reducing the weight of the second ring 40b. Therefore, the annular rings 62 may serve as a material and weight saving feature of the ion guide 10. Although not shown, the first ring 40a, the third ring 44a, and the fourth ring 44b may also include annular rings substantially identical to the annular rings 62.

[0034] The annular ring 62 can also facilitate electrical connection between the ion guide 10 and a power supply 70 (or an alternating current (AC) source or a radio frequency (RF) source). In the illustrated embodiment, a first port of the power supply 70 is connected to a first electrical connector 66a. A second port of the power supply 70 is connected to a second electrical connector 66b. The first electrical connector 66a is coupled to one of the annular rings 62 in the second ring 40b. The first group of rods 16, the first ring 40a, the second ring 40b, the first electrical connector 66a and the power supply 70 together define a first circuit. The power supply 70 can provide an electron flow through the first circuit. The second electrical connector 66b is coupled to the third ring 44a (not shown). The second electrical connector 66b can be coupled to the third ring 44a, for example, through an annular ring in the third ring 44a. The second group of rods 18, the third ring 44a, the fourth ring 44b, the second electrical connector 66b and the power supply 70 together define a second circuit.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the first circuit and the second circuit are independent. In other words, the first current flows through the first circuit, and the second current flows through the second circuit. The power supply 70 shown includes a first port and a second port, which allow the first circuit and the second circuit to receive independent currents from a power supply 70. In other embodiments, the first power supply can replace the first port of the power supply 70 and provide the first current to the first circuit. In these embodiments, the second power supply can replace the second port of the power supply 70 and provide the second current to the second circuit.

[0036] Continue to refer Figure 3 , the first shield 78a and the second shield 78b are connected to the ion guide 10. The first shield 78a surrounds the outer circumference of the first ring 40a and the third ring 44a. The second shield 78b surrounds the outer circumference of the second ring 40b and the fourth ring 44b. The first shield 78a and the second shield 78b are made of insulating material. The insulating material can be, but is not limited to, polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0037] The ion guide 10 and the shields 78a, 78b are received in a mount 80. Specifically, the mount 80 receives each shield 78a, 78b. The mount 80 is constructed of a rigid material. The mount 80 may include, for example, a bracket for securing the first electrical connector 66a and the second electrical connector 66b to the mount 80. The ion guide 10, the electrical connectors 66a, 66b, the power supply 70, the shields 78a, 78b and the mount 80 define an ion guide assembly 82 (also referred to as an ion optical device assembly 82).

[0038] Reference now Figure 4 , a process 100 for manufacturing an ion guide (such as the ion guide 10) is shown. The process 100 facilitates the manufacture of the ion guide assembly 82. The manufacturing process 100 includes a plurality of instructions or steps depicted in the form of a flowchart. The process begins at step 104, where the ion guide 10 is manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. In a non-limiting example, the ion guide 10 is manufactured using a 3D printer 90. The 3D printer 90 uses a metal or conductive material (e.g., titanium, stainless steel, etc.) as a printing material. The 3D printer 90 prints the ion guide 10 into multiple layers. Each layer has a predetermined thickness (or resolution). The thickness of each layer is inversely related to the quality (i.e., accuracy, surface finish, etc.) of the printed ion guide 10. In other words, the smaller the thickness of each layer, the greater the quality of the printed ion guide 10.

[0039] During printing, the printed layers are arranged along a manufacturing direction 92 (also referred to as a printing direction 92) (e.g. Figure 1 On the printing bed 94 (as shown) Figure 52). A first layer is printed on the first layer. A second layer is then printed on top of the first layer. This sequence is repeated for new layers during the entire printing process. The printing direction 92 shown is oriented so that printing occurs from the first end 20 to the second end 22. For example, the first end 20 is first printed with the first end support 32, followed by printing the rod 14 alone or in combination with the first ring 40a, the third ring 44a, the central portion 26, the second ring 40b and the fourth ring 44b, and then reaching the second end support 34 at the second end 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the printing direction 92 is aligned with the central axis 28. More specifically, the printing direction 92 is parallel to the central axis 28. By orienting the printing direction 92 to be parallel to the central axis 28, the printing quality is unexpectedly improved because the cross-section of each new layer is substantially similar to the cross-section of the previous layer. Therefore, each new layer will be supported by the previous layer. In other examples of embodiments, the printing direction 92 can be oriented to be tilted relative to the central axis 28 to maximize the quality of the printed ion guide 10. Additional information about improving printing quality is provided below.

[0040] Furthermore, the printing direction 92 can be oriented vertically, horizontally, or in another direction between horizontal and vertical. In the example shown, unexpectedly improved results were obtained with the printing direction oriented substantially in the vertical direction. Thus, in conjunction with the above observations, unexpectedly improved results were obtained when the printing direction 92 was oriented both parallel to the central axis 28 and vertically.

[0041] During printing, the shape of the ion guide 10 may present challenges. Specifically, changes in cross-section between adjacent layers may cause quality defects during printing. As a non-limiting example, and with reference to Figure 5 , 3D printer 90 prints ring layer 96 (also referred to as first ring layer 96) of first ring 40a. Ring layer 96 is the first printed layer including first ring 40a. Ring layer 96 defines a cross section including rod 14 and first ring 40a. Ring layer 96 is located on rod layer 98, so that rod layer 98 is a layer adjacent to ring layer 96. Rod layer 98 defines a cross section including rod 14. Therefore, ring layer 96 has a larger cross-sectional area than rod layer 98. For clarity, Figure 596 and the rod layer 98. It should be understood that the imaginary box does not represent the thickness of the ring layer 96 and / or the rod layer 98. The ring layer 96 includes a cantilevered portion 101 that cantilevers out from the rod layer 98 in a radial direction (i.e., a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis 28). The ring layer 96 (particularly the cantilevered portion 101) may lack sufficient support to be accurately printed. For example, undesirable printing may occur in which the cantilevered portion 101 bends toward the print bed 94 under the weight of the material. This undesirable bending may continue throughout the remaining layers of the first ring 40a. In order to help avoid this problem, and to further support the ring layer 96, a plurality of supports 102 (also referred to as a plurality of printing supports 102) may be used. The support 102 shown is located between the print bed 94 and the ring layer 96 of the first ring 40a and is coupled to the print bed and the ring layer. More specifically, the support 102 is formed integrally with the ring layer 96 of the first ring 40a. The support member 102 can be located at a desired position to support a specific area. For example, the support member 102 shown provides support to the cantilever portion 101. The support member 102 temporarily increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the rod layer 98. The number and size of the support member 102 can be adjusted to achieve the desired cross section of the rod layer 98. Finally, the support member 102 produces a more gradual change in cross-sectional area between the rod layer 98 and the ring layer 96. In other examples of the embodiment, the support member 102 can also or alternatively be located at other positions (for example, between the first ring 40a and the third ring 44a, between the second ring 40b and the fourth ring 44b, etc.). The support member 102 shown is a column. In other examples of the embodiment, the support member 102 can have different shapes or grids (for example, cross-hatched grids, concentric shapes, zigzag shapes, etc.).

[0042] In addition, in addition to the above combination Figure 2A and Figure 2B In addition to the radial and circumferential extensions described, the fillets 74 on the rods 14 can also be formed to extend longitudinally (i.e., parallel to the printing direction) to a selected length. Because the fillets 14 can be formed to extend longitudinally, they help support the structure, especially at transitions, such as where the rods 14 join the rings 36, 38. For example, at Figure 5 The fillet 74 on the uppermost rod 14 visible in the figure has a truss-like cross-section with a large support surface adjacent to the first ring 40a, which gradually decreases over the length of the fillet 74 (i.e., from left to right in the figure) until it merges into the circumference of the uppermost rod 14. Similarly, a fillet 75 can also be formed at the junction of the upper side of the structure at the transition, such as Figure 5 The radius 75 of the uppermost rod is greatest where the uppermost rod 14 protrudes above the first ring 40a and gradually decreases in size over the selected length (from right to left) until it merges into the circumference of the uppermost rod 14. Figure 5 As shown, the fillet 75 may be smaller than the fillet 74, for example, because the load to be supported by the fillet 75 at the upper side of the first ring 40a is smaller than the load to be supported by the fillet 74 at the lower side of the first ring 40a (particularly in the case where the ion guide is formed vertically). In other examples, the relative sizes of the fillets 74 and 75 may be reversed, or their sizes may be approximately the same.

[0043] Return to reference Figure 4 At step 106, the support 102 is removed from the ion guide 10. Rough or jagged spots (not shown) may be left on the surface 110 of the ion guide 10 at the location where the removed support 102 is connected to the ion guide 10. In addition to the rough or jagged spots, the surface 110 may also (or alternatively) include defects caused by printing. In a non-limiting example, the surface 110 may include undulations caused by adjacent material layers (not shown).

[0044] At step 114, the surface 110 of the ion guide 10 may be finished to achieve one or more desired properties (e.g., appearance, conductivity, etc.). The surface 110 may be finished by any method, such as, but not limited to, isotropic superfinishing, grinding, sanding, polishing, and / or chemical treatment. In some examples of embodiments, step 114 may include multiple methods of surface finishing.

[0045] At step 118, the end supports 32, 34 are removed from the ion guide 10. In the illustrated embodiment, once the end supports 32, 34 are removed, the first circuit and the second circuit are independent. More specifically, the portion of the first circuit including the first set of rods 16, the first ring 40a and the second ring 40b is independent of the portion of the second circuit including the second set of rods 18, the third ring 44a and the fourth ring 44b. In other words, the first circuit and the second circuit are neither physically nor electrically connected. Therefore, current can pass through the first circuit without passing through the second circuit.

[0046] Each of the end supports 32, 34 is removed from the remainder of the ion guide 10 by a suitable operation, such as a precision cutting operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the precision cutting operation is performed at a location on the rod 14 proximate to the end supports 32, 34, respectively, such as at Figure 128. The ion guide 10 is cut at the representative cut lines 37A and 37B shown in the drawings. Thus, the cut lines 37A, 37B define the ends of the completed ion guide 10. The cut lines 37A, 37B are typically oriented precisely perpendicular to the central axis 28. The cut lines 37A, 37B are typically positioned so that the resulting ends of the completed ion guide 10 are symmetrical. If desired, finishing of areas adjacent to one or both of the cut lines 37A, 37B may be completed. For the example of the ion guide 10, after the cutting operations at both the cut lines 37A, 37B are completed, the ion guide being produced is then converted from a one-piece intermediate structure to a two-piece final structure, wherein the two pieces are physically and electrically separated from each other.

[0047] There are many benefits to forming the ion guide as a single-piece intermediate structure before it is ultimately separated into two or more pieces. First, forming the ion guide as a single-piece intermediate structure allows tighter dimensional and positional tolerances to be achieved. In some example embodiments, specified dimensions and / or positions are achieved within 200 microns to 250 microns, which is considered to be highly accurate and helps to improve the function of the ion guide. Moreover, the single-piece intermediate structure can be more easily positioned and operated, and does not require specially designed holding devices and / or fixtures. This is particularly true for the illustrated example of the ion guide 10 in which the rod 14 has bends or curves, which would be difficult to hold in place to be precisely positioned relative to each other if these bends or curves were provided in multiple pieces.

[0048] At step 122, a first shield 78a is positioned over the first ring 40a and the third ring 44a, and a second shield 78b is positioned over the second ring 40b and the fourth ring 44b. The shields 78a, 78b may secure the first circuit and the second circuit such that the first circuit and the second circuit are neither physically nor electrically connected. The ion guide assembly 82 may be inserted into the mounting member 80 ( Figure 3 ) and may be connected to a power source 70. One or more additional components may be attached or otherwise connected to complete the ion guide assembly 82. Once completed, the ion guide assembly 82 may be installed and used in a mass spectrometer (not shown).

[0049] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention described. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an ion optical device, the method comprising: printing the ion-optical device in a printing direction from a first end to a second end, the ion-optical device comprising a first end support at the first end, a first set of rods extending from the first end support and formed with a first set of rings, a second set of rods extending from the first end support and formed with a second set of rings, and a second end support at the second end to which the first set of rods and the second set of rods extend; as well as The first and second end supports are cut away from the ion-optical device to define a first circuit through the first set of rods and the first set of rings and a second circuit through the second set of rods and the second set of rings, wherein the first and second circuits are electrically isolated from each other.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: After printing the ion-optical device, the surface of the ion-optical device is finished. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first set of rods and the second set of rods extend through openings in the first set of rings and the second set of rings, respectively. 4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein printing the ion device comprises forming a printed support by printing to support cantilevered portions of the first set of rings and the second set of rings.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first set of rings includes a first ring and a second ring, and the second set of rings includes a third ring and a fourth ring, and wherein the print support is formed to extend between the first ring and the third ring and between the second ring and the fourth ring.

6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The printing support is removed from the ion-optical device after the printing step.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the positions of the first set of rods relative to the positions of the second set of rods are within a tolerance of no more than 250 microns.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the ion optical device has a central axis, and wherein the printing direction and the central axis are oriented substantially vertically.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of rods are joined to the first set of rings using a first fillet extending at least radially and circumferentially from the first set of rods, and the second set of rods are joined to the second set of rings using a second fillet extending at least radially and circumferentially from the second set of rods.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first fillet and the second fillet extend longitudinally and have a truss-shaped cross-section that tapers from a larger end adjacent to a ring surface to a smaller end engaging a circumference of a corresponding rod surface.

11. An ion optical device formed by additive manufacturing, comprising: a print body having a first end support, a second end support, a first set of rods extending from the first end support to the second end support, a first set of rings formed with the first set of rods, a second set of rods extending from the first end support to the second end support, and a second set of rings formed with the second set of rods; and A first circuit and a second circuit electrically isolated from each other, the first circuit including the first group of rods and the first group of rings, and the second circuit including the second group of rods and the second group of rings, wherein the first circuit and the second circuit are formed by cutting off the first end support member and the second end support member to separate the first group of rods and the second group of rods from each other. 12 . The ion optical device according to claim 11 , wherein the printed body is formed using a 3D printer. 13 . The ion optical device according to claim 11 , wherein the printed body is formed by using a 3D printer that prints a metal printing material.

14. A method of manufacturing an ion optical device component, the method comprising: printing an ion-optical device in a printing direction using additive manufacturing, the ion-optical device comprising a plurality of rods, a plurality of rings coupled to the rods, and end supports coupled to the plurality of rods, the ion-optical device defining a central axis, the central axis being parallel to the printing direction; performing fine machining on the surface of the ion optical device; removing the end support from the ion-optical device; as well as A shroud is coupled to the plurality of rings.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein printing the ion optical device is accomplished using a 3D printer.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein printing the ion optical device comprises using a printing material comprising a metal.

17. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: Additive manufacturing is used to print a plurality of print supports formed with the ion optical device.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: The plurality of printing supports are removed from the ion-optical device after the printing step.

19. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The end support is removed from the ion-optical device to produce a first circuit and a second circuit, the first circuit and the second circuit being isolated.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: A plurality of fillets are printed along with the ion optical device using additive manufacturing.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of rods comprises a first plurality of rods and a second plurality of rods, the plurality of rings comprises a first ring and a second ring, the first ring is electrically connected to the first plurality of rods, and the second ring is electrically connected to the second plurality of rods.

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