Ion source, method of controlling an ion source, and mass spectrometer

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of mass spectrometers, and provides an ion source, a control method of the ion source and a mass spectrometer. The ion source comprises a main body, a first atomization mechanism, a second atomization mechanism, an ultrasonic suspension mechanism and a discharge part. The main body is provided with a chamber, and the chamber is provided with an outlet. The first atomization mechanism is at least partially located in the chamber and is in communication with the chamber, and the first atomization mechanism is used for atomizing sample solution into mist droplets in the chamber. The second atomization mechanism comprises an atomization part, the atomization part is arranged in the chamber, and the atomization part is used for atomizing sample solution introduced into the chamber and not atomized by the first atomization mechanism into mist droplets. The ultrasonic suspension mechanism is arranged in the chamber, and the ultrasonic suspension mechanism is used for suspending the mist droplets at the outlet. The discharge part is at least partially located in the chamber, and the discharge part is used for ionizing the mist droplets suspended at the outlet into gaseous ions. The gaseous ions ionized by the application can be suspended at the outlet and output to the outside of the chamber through the outlet, so that the ionization efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mass spectrometry technology, and in particular to an ion source, a method for controlling the ion source, and a mass spectrometer. Background Technology

[0002] Mass spectrometers, also known as mass spectrometers, are widely used in fields such as energy, food safety, medicine, and chemicals, thanks to technological advancements. The ion source, a core component of the mass spectrometer, ionizes sample solutions into gaseous ions and outputs these ions to the mass analyzer, enabling the analyzer to analyze and detect them.

[0003] In related technologies, only a very small number of gaseous ions can be output to the mass analyzer, resulting in low ionization efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide an ion source, an ion source control method, and a mass spectrometer. Under the levitation effect of the ultrasonic levitation mechanism, the gaseous ions formed by ionization can be suspended at the outlet, thereby enabling the gaseous ions suspended at the outlet to be output outside the chamber, thus improving the ionization efficiency.

[0005] This application provides an ion source comprising a main body, a first atomizing mechanism, a second atomizing mechanism, an ultrasonic levitation mechanism, and a discharge element; the main body has a chamber with an outlet; the first atomizing mechanism is at least partially located within the chamber and communicates with the chamber, and is used to atomize a sample solution into the chamber to form mist droplets; the second atomizing mechanism includes an atomizing section located within the chamber, and is used to atomize a sample solution introduced into the chamber but not atomized by the first atomizing mechanism into mist droplets; the ultrasonic levitation mechanism is located within the chamber and is used to suspend the mist droplets at the outlet; the discharge element is at least partially located within the chamber and is used to ionize the mist droplets suspended at the outlet into gaseous ions, so that the gaseous ions are output to the outside of the chamber through the outlet.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, the atomizing section and the outlet are located on opposite sides of the ultrasonic levitation mechanism.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, the first atomizing mechanism includes an inlet member, the atomizing part is disposed below the inlet member, the side of the atomizing part opposite to the inlet member is the mist outlet surface, and the mist outlet surface is inclined in the direction of the outlet and concave inward to form an arc surface.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the second atomizing mechanism further includes an ultrasonic transducer connected to the atomizing part, the ultrasonic transducer being used to generate mechanical vibration; the atomizing part is mechanically vibrating under the drive of the ultrasonic transducer to atomize the sample solution introduced into the chamber and not atomized by the first atomizing mechanism into atomized droplets.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the atomizing part is provided with a receiving cavity for containing liquid.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic levitation mechanism includes a first levitation device and a second levitation device, wherein the second levitation device and the first levitation device are disposed on opposite sides of the outlet and are arranged opposite each other in the direction of gravity, forming a standing wave field between the first levitation device and the second levitation device for suspending the mist droplets.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the ion source further includes a heating assembly disposed in the chamber and extending at least partially to the outlet, the heating assembly being used to heat the mist droplets suspended at the outlet.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the subject is provided with an observation window.

[0013] A second aspect of this application provides a method for controlling an ion source, the method being applied to an ion source as described in the first aspect; the control method includes:

[0014] The first atomizing mechanism is controlled to atomize the sample solution into the chamber, forming mist-like droplets.

[0015] The atomizing section of the second atomizing mechanism atomizes the sample solution introduced into the chamber that has not been atomized by the first atomizing mechanism into atomized droplets;

[0016] The ultrasonic levitation mechanism is controlled to suspend the mist-like droplets at the outlet;

[0017] The control discharge device ionizes the mist-like droplets suspended at the outlet into gaseous ions, so that the gaseous ions are output to the outside of the chamber through the outlet.

[0018] A third aspect of this application provides a mass spectrometer comprising an ion source as described in the first aspect.

[0019] This application provides an ion source, a method for controlling the ion source, and a mass spectrometer. The ion source includes a main body, a first atomizing mechanism, a second atomizing mechanism, an ultrasonic levitation mechanism, and a discharge element. The main body has a chamber with an outlet. The first atomizing mechanism is at least partially located within the chamber and communicates with it. The first atomizing mechanism is used to atomize a sample solution into the chamber to form mist droplets. The second atomizing mechanism includes an atomizing section located within the chamber. The atomizing section is used to atomize a sample solution introduced into the chamber but not atomized by the first atomizing mechanism into mist droplets. The ultrasonic levitation mechanism is located within the chamber and is used to suspend the mist droplets at the outlet. The discharge element is at least partially located within the chamber and is used to ionize the mist droplets suspended at the outlet into gaseous ions, so that the gaseous ions are output to the outside of the chamber through the outlet. This application first atomizes the sample solution into relatively uniform droplets using a first atomizing mechanism and a second atomizing mechanism; then, it suspends the droplets at the outlet using an ultrasonic suspending mechanism; next, it ionizes the droplets at the outlet into gaseous ions using a discharge device. Because the droplets are relatively uniform in size, the time for the droplets to undergo Coulomb explosion is consistent. At the same time, under the suspending effect of the ultrasonic suspending mechanism, the ionized gaseous ions can be suspended at the outlet, thereby allowing the gaseous ions suspended at the outlet to be output outside the chamber, improving the ionization efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ion source provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of an ion source according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of an ion source provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another exploded structure of an ion source provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic atomization process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an ion source provided in an embodiment of this application; Attached image description:

[0028] Main body 10; chamber 11; outlet 12; exhaust channel 13; first atomizing mechanism 20; inlet 21; second atomizing mechanism 30; atomizing section 31; mist outlet surface 311; ultrasonic transducer 32; ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40; first levitation device 41; second levitation device 42; discharge device 50; heating assembly 60. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Generally, ionized ions generated by the high-pressure ionization spray needle, which produce a Coulomb explosion, are guided by gravity to slide down into the low-voltage electric field attraction channel and smoothly enter the ion cone, and then enter the ion control chamber. This process from high pressure to low pressure is called the ion slide.

[0030] It is understandable that the Coulomb explosion process refers to the process where the sample solution is separated from the liquid phase and output to the ion source to form a charged spray. The solvent is then evaporated by orthogonally heated gases heating the charged ion spray. During the Coulomb explosion, the target ions are affected by gravitational acceleration and the suction force of the negative pressure circulation system. The ionization process is very brief; only the distance between the ion source spray height and the ion slide electric field capture point can be introduced into the ion channel for detection. Currently, ion sources cannot avoid the need for rapid ionization and high-temperature solvent removal to generate target charged ions. Furthermore, excessively high temperatures increase the possibility of target ion denaturation. Therefore, it is necessary to use an appropriate heating temperature to remove the solvent while also considering the free-fall velocity of the massed solvent and the suction force of the negative pressure circulation system to improve ionization efficiency. However, existing ion sources cannot meet all these requirements.

[0031] Existing ion sources mainly suffer from the following problems:

[0032] Coulomb explosions generate different forces: Charged ions in a solvent move downwards as droplets under gravity while being evaporated by a high-temperature gas. As the droplets (solvent) evaporate, ions with the same charge lose their adhesion and are instantly ejected outside the range of interaction forces due to repulsion, forming a free-fall state. This process is called a Coulomb explosion. During a Coulomb explosion, the repulsive force varies depending on the amount of charge, causing ions to be ejected in different directions to positions with relatively stable forces. Therefore, most charged ions are ejected beyond the range that the ion slide voltage can capture, resulting in only a small number of ions entering the ion channel, thus leading to low ionization efficiency.

[0033] The timing of Coulomb explosions varies: Since most substances are prone to denaturation during the evaporation of solvents at excessively high temperatures, a suitable temperature is required to better generate the ions to be detected. Simultaneously, variations in liquid flow rate, ultra-high pressure output, and the size and weight of the atomized droplets cause different evaporation times for volatile solvents, resulting in inconsistent Coulomb explosion times. This means that many droplets only partially undergo Coulomb explosions after passing through the range that the ion slide voltage can capture, causing a large number of ions to fail to break free from their adhesion and be drawn away by the negative pressure system in time, thus reducing ionization efficiency.

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] To make the inventive objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 This application provides an ion source comprising a main body 10, a first atomizing mechanism 20, a second atomizing mechanism 30, an ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40, and a discharge element 50. The main body 10 has a chamber 11 with an outlet 12. The first atomizing mechanism 20 is at least partially located within and communicates with the chamber 11, and is used to atomize a sample solution into the chamber 11 to form mist droplets. The second atomizing mechanism 30 includes an atomizing section 31 located within the chamber 11, and is used to atomize a sample solution introduced into the chamber 11 but not atomized by the first atomizing mechanism 20 into mist droplets. The ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40 is located within the chamber 11 and is used to suspend the mist droplets at the outlet 12. The discharge element 50 is at least partially located within the chamber 11 and is used to ionize the mist droplets suspended at the outlet 12 into gaseous ions, so that the gaseous ions are output to the outside of the chamber 11 through the outlet 12.

[0037] In practical applications, the first atomizing mechanism 20 atomizes the sample solution into the chamber 11 to form mist droplets. The atomizing part 31 of the second atomizing mechanism 30, located in the chamber 11, atomizes the sample solution introduced into the chamber 11 that has not been atomized by the first atomizing mechanism 20 into mist droplets. This allows the sample solution to be fully atomized into relatively uniform mist droplets under the combined atomizing action of the first atomizing mechanism 20 and the second atomizing mechanism 30. This ensures that the time for the relatively uniform mist droplets to undergo Coulomb explosion is also relatively consistent. Therefore, Coulomb explosion can occur during ionization, thereby generating a large number of gaseous ions and improving ionization efficiency.

[0038] For example, the ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40 located in the chamber 11 can generate a standing wave field through ultrasonic waves, so that the relatively uniform-sized mist droplets can be suspended at the outlet 12 under the action of the standing wave field. This allows the gaseous ions formed during the ionization of the mist droplets by the discharge element 50 to gather at the outlet 12 instead of being ejected in different directions, thereby improving the ionization efficiency.

[0039] It is understood that the discharge element 50 in this embodiment can directly apply a high-voltage electrode to the mist-like droplet suspended at the outlet 12, thereby forming a strong electric field around the mist-like droplet. This causes the droplet to undergo a Coulomb explosion under the influence of the strong electric field, generating gaseous ions. Specifically, multiple discharge elements 50 can be provided and a DC high voltage (e.g., 5.5 kV) can be applied to greatly enhance the charging efficiency of the mist-like droplet, thereby promoting the desolvation and ion evaporation of the droplet during the subsequent Coulomb explosion.

[0040] The discharge device 50 in this embodiment can also ionize the surrounding gas in the chamber to form a reactive gas plasma region through high-voltage discharge (such as a voltage of several kilovolts), so that the suspended mist droplets enter the ion region and undergo gas phase ion-molecule reaction with the reactive gas plasma to generate gaseous ions.

[0041] The ion source provided in the above embodiment includes a main body 10, a first atomizing mechanism 20, a second atomizing mechanism 30, an ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40, and a discharge element 50. The main body 10 is provided with a chamber 11, and the chamber 11 is provided with an outlet 12. The first atomizing mechanism 20 is at least partially located in the chamber 11 and communicates with the chamber 11. The first atomizing mechanism 20 is used to atomize the sample solution into the chamber 11 to form mist droplets. The second atomizing mechanism 30 includes an atomizing part 31, which is located in the chamber 11. The atomizing part 31 is used to atomize the sample solution introduced into the chamber 11 but not atomized by the first atomizing mechanism 20 into mist droplets. The ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40 is located in the chamber 11 and is used to suspend the mist droplets at the outlet 12. The discharge element 50 is at least partially located in the chamber 11 and is used to ionize the mist droplets suspended at the outlet 12 into gaseous ions, so that the gaseous ions are output to the outside of the chamber 11 through the outlet 12. In this embodiment, the sample solution is first fully atomized into relatively uniform droplets by the first atomizing mechanism 20 and the second atomizing mechanism 30; then, the droplets are suspended at the outlet 12 by the ultrasonic suspending mechanism 40; then, the droplets suspended at the outlet 12 are ionized into gaseous ions by the discharge device 50. Because the droplets are relatively uniform in size, the time of the Coulomb explosion of the droplets is consistent; at the same time, under the suspending effect of the ultrasonic suspending mechanism 40, the gaseous ions formed by ionization can be suspended at the outlet 12, so that the gaseous ions suspended at the outlet 12 can be output to the outside of the chamber 11 through the outlet 12, thereby improving the ionization efficiency.

[0042] In one exemplary implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ion source also includes a heating component 60, which is disposed in the chamber 11 and extends at least partially to the outlet 12. The heating component 60 is used to heat the mist droplets suspended at the outlet 12.

[0043] It is understood that the ion source in this embodiment may further include a heating component 60, which can heat the mist droplets suspended at the outlet 12 to evaporate the solvent during the heating process. Specifically, the heating component 60 may be disposed in the chamber and at least partially extend to the outlet 12 to heat the mist droplets suspended at the outlet 12 at close range.

[0044] For example, in this embodiment of the application, an air inlet channel (not shown in the figure) can be provided in the communicating chamber 11 to introduce inert gas during the heating of the mist droplets in order to accelerate the evaporation of the solvent in the mist droplets.

[0045] In one exemplary implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the ion source in this embodiment may further include an exhaust channel 13, which connects to the chamber 11 and is located below the atomizing section 31. Exhaust gas can be discharged through the exhaust channel 13.

[0046] In one exemplary implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the atomizing section 31 and the outlet 12 are located on opposite sides of the ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40.

[0047] In this embodiment, the atomizing section 31 and the outlet 12 of the second atomizing mechanism 30 are located on opposite sides of the ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40, that is, the atomizing section 31, the ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40, and the outlet 12 are arranged sequentially. The atomized droplets and un-atomized sample solution introduced into the chamber 11 can be atomized by the atomizing action of the atomizing section 31, so that the fully atomized droplets can drift towards the ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40 along the airflow direction formed when the atomizing section 31 atomizes the sample droplets, thereby suspending the atomized droplets at the outlet 12 under the action of the standing wave field formed by the ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40.

[0048] In one exemplary implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first atomizing mechanism 20 includes an inlet member 21 and an atomizing part 31 located below the inlet member 21. The side of the atomizing part 31 opposite to the inlet member 21 is the mist outlet surface 311. The mist outlet surface 311 is inclined towards the outlet 12 and concave inward to form an arc surface.

[0049] It is understood that the first atomizing mechanism 20 includes an inlet 21, which is embedded above the chamber 11 and extends downward into the chamber 11. Specifically, the inlet 21 can be a spray needle with a hollow channel, wherein the hollow channel is used to transport the sample solution, and the two sides of the hollow channel are used to input nitrogen gas. By inputting nitrogen gas to the two sides of the hollow channel, a high-pressure gas flow is formed at the nozzle of the spray needle, so as to introduce the sample solution into the chamber 11 to form a mist droplets.

[0050] In this embodiment, the atomizing section 31 is located below the inlet member 21. The inlet member 21 atomizes the sample solution into the chamber 11 to form atomized droplets, so that the atomized droplets entering the chamber 11 from the inlet member 21 and the unatomized sample solution can move downwards to the atomizing section 31 under the action of gravity, and then be atomized more fully under the atomizing action of the atomizing section 31.

[0051] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the side of the atomizing part 31 opposite to the inlet member 21 is the mist outlet surface 311. The mist outlet surface 311 is inclined towards the outlet 12 and concave inward to form an arc surface. The inclined arc surface design can make it less likely for the sample solution dripping from the inlet member 21 onto the mist outlet surface 311 to be lost, and can also make it easier for the mist droplets formed on the mist outlet surface 311 to move towards the outlet 12, so that the atomized mist droplets can be collected at the outlet 12.

[0052] In one exemplary implementation, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the second atomizing mechanism 30 also includes an ultrasonic transducer 32, which is connected to the atomizing part 31. The ultrasonic transducer 32 is used to generate mechanical vibration. The atomizing part 31 vibrates mechanically under the drive of the ultrasonic transducer 32 to atomize the sample solution introduced into the chamber 11 and not atomized by the first atomizing mechanism 20 into atomized droplets.

[0053] For example, the second atomizing mechanism 30 in this embodiment further includes an ultrasonic transducer 32. The ultrasonic transducer 32 can generate mechanical vibration, thereby driving the atomizing part 31 connected thereto to perform mechanical vibration at the same frequency, so that the sample solution dripping from the inlet 21 onto the atomizing part 31 can form a mist-like droplets during the vibration of the atomizing part 31. Specifically, the atomizing part 31 disperses the sample solution into a mist-like droplets through high-frequency vibration during the mechanical vibration process.

[0054] It is understood that the ultrasonic transducer 32 in the embodiments of this application may include a piezoelectric ceramic transducer, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to achieve mechanical vibration.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, when a sample solution not atomized by the first atomizing mechanism 20 drips onto the surface of the high-frequency vibrating atomizing section 31, the vibrational energy is transmitted to the liquid layer of the sample solution. If the thickness of the liquid layer is appropriate, this energy will form standing waves inside the liquid and on the liquid surface. On the liquid surface, these standing waves manifest as a series of capillary waves, i.e., ripple waves, with very short wavelengths and alternating peaks and troughs. The liquid at the peaks of the capillary waves is accelerated to extremely high speeds, while the liquid at the troughs remains relatively still. When the vibrational energy is large enough, the inertial force acting on the liquid at the peaks (from the high-speed vibration) will exceed the surface tension of the liquid itself. At this point, the extremely unstable liquid at the peaks will be directly "thrown" off the liquid surface, forming an extremely small droplet. Since atomization occurs at the peaks of each capillary wave, and the frequency of these capillary waves is consistent with the ultrasonic frequency generated by the ultrasonic transducer 32, the size of the atomized droplets is very uniform.

[0056] In one exemplary embodiment, the atomizing unit 31 is provided with a receiving cavity (not shown) for containing liquid.

[0057] For example, the atomizing unit 31 in this embodiment of the application is provided with a receiving cavity for containing liquid, so that pure water is injected into the receiving cavity as the transmission medium of ultrasonic waves, which can improve the propagation efficiency of ultrasonic waves, thereby improving the atomization efficiency.

[0058] In one exemplary implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40 includes a first levitation device 41 and a second levitation device 42. The second levitation device 42 and the first levitation device 41 are located on opposite sides of the outlet 12 and are arranged opposite each other in the direction of gravity. A standing wave field for suspending mist droplets is formed between the first levitation device 41 and the second levitation device 42.

[0059] For example, the ultrasonic levitation mechanism 40 in this embodiment may include a first levitation device 41 and a second levitation device 42. Both the first levitation device 41 and the second levitation device 42 can be ultrasonic transmitters, emitting ultrasonic waves of the same frequency but opposite directions to each other. This allows the two ultrasonic waves of the same frequency and opposite directions to meet and superimpose, forming a standing wave field for suspending mist-like droplets. Furthermore, the first levitation device 41 may be positioned above or below the second levitation device 42.

[0060] For example, one of the first suspenders 41 and the second suspender 42 is an ultrasonic transmitter and the other is an ultrasonic reflector. One of the first suspenders 41 and the second suspender 42 emits an incident wave as an ultrasonic transmitter and the other emits a reflected wave as an ultrasonic reflector. When the incident wave and the reflected wave have the same frequency and a constant phase difference, the incident wave and the emitted wave are superimposed to form a standing wave field for suspending mist-like droplets.

[0061] It is understood that the first suspender 41 and the second suspender 42 in the embodiments of this application can be disposed on opposite sides of the outlet 12 and arranged opposite each other in the direction of gravity to generate vertical suspending force, thereby overcoming the gravity of the mist droplets and achieving the effect of stabilizing the mist droplets.

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment, the main body 10 is provided with an observation window (not shown).

[0063] For example, an observation window can be provided on the main body 10 to facilitate observation of the state of the mist-like droplets inside the chamber, such as color changes. Specifically, in embodiments of this application, a transparent glass door can be installed on the observation window, or a camera and / or microscope can be installed on the observation window for real-time observation.

[0064] Please see Figure 6 This application also provides a method for controlling an ion source, which is applied to an ion source as described in the above embodiments; the method includes steps S101 to S104.

[0065] Step S101: Control the first atomizing mechanism to atomize the sample solution into the chamber to form mist droplets.

[0066] Step S102: Control the atomizing part of the second atomizing mechanism to atomize the sample solution introduced into the chamber and not atomized by the first atomizing mechanism into atomized droplets.

[0067] Step S103: Control the ultrasonic levitation mechanism to suspend the mist droplets at the outlet.

[0068] Step S104: Control the discharge device to ionize the mist-like droplets suspended at the outlet into gaseous ions, so that the gaseous ions are output to the outside of the chamber through the outlet.

[0069] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can move and stably suspend mist-like droplets by controlling the ultrasonic frequency, phase, power and other operating parameters of the ultrasonic levitation mechanism.

[0070] The ion source control method provided in the above embodiments has all the technical effects of the ion source described above. That is, firstly, the first atomizing mechanism and the second atomizing mechanism are controlled to fully atomize the sample solution into atomized droplets of relatively uniform size; then, the ultrasonic levitation mechanism is controlled to suspend the atomized droplets at the outlet; then, the discharge device is controlled to ionize the atomized droplets suspended at the outlet into gaseous ions. Since the atomized droplets are relatively uniform in size, the time for the atomized droplets to undergo Coulomb explosion is consistent. At the same time, under the levitation effect of the ultrasonic levitation mechanism, the gaseous ions formed by ionization can be suspended at the outlet, thereby enabling the gaseous ions suspended at the outlet to be output outside the chamber through the outlet, thus improving the ionization efficiency.

[0071] This application also provides a mass spectrometer, which includes an ion source as described in the above embodiments. The mass spectrometer of this application embodiment has all the technical effects of the ion source described above, namely, firstly, the sample solution is fully atomized into relatively uniform droplets by a first atomizing mechanism and a second atomizing mechanism; then, the droplets are suspended at the outlet by an ultrasonic suspending mechanism; then, the droplets suspended at the outlet are ionized into gaseous ions by a discharge device; because the droplets are relatively uniform in size, the time for the droplets to undergo Coulomb explosions is consistent; simultaneously, under the suspending effect of the ultrasonic suspending mechanism, the ionized gaseous ions can be suspended at the outlet, thereby allowing the gaseous ions suspended at the outlet to be output outside the chamber, improving the ionization efficiency.

[0072] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0073] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a replaceable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0074] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An ion source, characterized in that, The ion source includes: The main body has a chamber, and the chamber has an outlet; A first atomizing mechanism, at least partially located within and communicating with the chamber, is used to atomize a sample solution into the chamber to form mist-like droplets. The first atomizing mechanism includes an inlet. The second atomizing mechanism includes an atomizing section disposed within the chamber and below the inlet member. The atomizing section has a receiving cavity for containing liquid. The side of the atomizing section opposite to the inlet member is a mist outlet surface, which is inclined towards the outlet and concave inward to form an arc surface. The atomizing section is used to atomize the sample solution introduced into the chamber but not atomized by the first atomizing mechanism into mist droplets, so that the sample solution is fully atomized into mist droplets of relatively uniform size under the combined atomizing action of the inlet member and the atomizing section. An ultrasonic levitation mechanism is provided in the chamber, with the atomizing part and the outlet located on opposite sides of the ultrasonic levitation mechanism. The ultrasonic levitation mechanism is used to form a standing wave field in the direction of gravity to suspend the atomized droplets at the outlet. A discharge element, at least partially located within the chamber, is used to ionize the mist-like droplets suspended at the outlet into gaseous ions, so that the gaseous ions are output to the outside of the chamber through the outlet.

2. The ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second atomizing mechanism also includes: An ultrasonic transducer, connected to the atomizing unit, is used to generate mechanical vibration; The atomizing unit vibrates mechanically under the drive of the ultrasonic transducer to atomize the sample solution introduced into the chamber that has not been atomized by the first atomizing mechanism into mist droplets.

3. The ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic levitation mechanism includes: First levitation device; The second suspender is located on opposite sides of the outlet and is arranged opposite to the first suspender in the direction of gravity, forming a standing wave field between the first suspender and the second suspender for suspending the mist droplets.

4. The ion source according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The ion source also includes: A heating assembly is disposed in the chamber and extends at least partially to the outlet, the heating assembly being used to heat the mist droplets suspended at the outlet.

5. The ion source according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The main body is equipped with an observation window.

6. A method for controlling an ion source, characterized in that, The control method is applied to the ion source as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; the control method includes: The first atomizing mechanism is controlled to atomize the sample solution into the chamber, forming mist-like droplets. The atomizing section of the second atomizing mechanism atomizes the sample solution introduced into the chamber that has not been atomized by the first atomizing mechanism into atomized droplets; The ultrasonic levitation mechanism is controlled to suspend the mist-like droplets at the outlet; The control discharge device ionizes the mist-like droplets suspended at the outlet into gaseous ions, so that the gaseous ions are output to the outside of the chamber through the outlet.

7. A mass spectrometer, characterized in that, The mass spectrometer includes an ion source as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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