Mass spectrometry nanoliter ion source adjustment mechanism and mass spectrometry nanoliter ion source having the same

Abstract

This utility model discloses an adjustment mechanism for a nano-ion source for mass spectrometry and a nano-ion source having the same. The adjustment mechanism includes: a differential displacement stage; a nozzle mounting base adapted to mount a nano-ion nozzle, the nozzle mounting base being disposed on the differential displacement stage; and a differential head adapted to drive the differential displacement stage to move and adjust the distance between the nano-ion nozzle and the sample inlet of the conical shroud of the nano-ion source for mass spectrometry. The adjustment mechanism for the nano-ion source for mass spectrometry according to the embodiment of this utility model can improve ionization efficiency, shorten collection time, improve applicability, and has the advantages of fine and accurate adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mass spectrometry technology, and more specifically, to an adjustment mechanism for a mass spectrometry nano-ion source and a mass spectrometry nano-ion source having the adjustment mechanism of the mass spectrometry nano-ion source. Background Technology

[0002] The nanoliter ion source for mass spectrometry permeates the sample through micropores into a charged solution. A high-voltage electric field is used to generate a driving force to carry the sample molecules into a charged sol. After entering the mass spectrometer, the ions are ionized and eventually form charged ions.

[0003] In related technologies, the nanoliter ion source for mass spectrometry uses pneumatic-assisted atomization or hot gas-assisted volatilization to promote the separation of ions from solvents.

[0004] Pneumatically assisted atomization works by using an atomizer or sheath tube to create negative pressure based on the Bernoulli effect, increasing the kinetic energy of the liquid and thus helping to overcome the surface tension of the droplets and disperse them. However, in reality, excessive kinetic energy of the droplets can easily lead to excessive droplet fragmentation, which can actually reduce ionization efficiency.

[0005] Hot gas-assisted evaporation involves using an inert gas such as nitrogen and a heating device to completely desolvate nanoscale charged droplets under the assistance of a heated nitrogen flow, forming free gaseous ions. However, this method suffers from poor heating effects when the nitrogen concentration is too low, while excessively high concentrations can carry away some of the nanoscale charged droplets, necessitating a longer ion collection time. This negatively impacts analytical efficiency and sensitivity, and the method is unsuitable for analyzing heat-sensitive samples such as biomolecules. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an adjustment mechanism for a nano-ion source for mass spectrometry. This adjustment mechanism can improve ionization efficiency, shorten collection time, and enhance applicability, and has advantages such as precise and accurate adjustment.

[0007] This invention also proposes a mass spectrometry nano-ion source having an adjustment mechanism for the aforementioned mass spectrometry nano-ion source.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, an adjustment mechanism for a nano-ion source for mass spectrometry is provided according to an embodiment of the first aspect of this utility model. The adjustment mechanism includes: a differential displacement stage; a nozzle mounting base adapted to mount a nano-ion nozzle, the nozzle mounting base being disposed on the differential displacement stage; and a differential head adapted to drive the differential displacement stage to move in order to adjust the distance between the nano-ion nozzle and the sample inlet of the conical shroud of the nano-ion source for mass spectrometry.

[0009] The adjustment mechanism of the nano-ion source for mass spectrometry according to the embodiments of this utility model can improve ionization efficiency, shorten collection time, and improve applicability, and has the advantages of fine and accurate adjustment.

[0010] In addition, the adjustment mechanism of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to the above embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features: According to one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source further includes a triaxial displacement stage, wherein the differential displacement stage is disposed on the triaxial displacement stage.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the three-axis displacement stage includes: a first horizontal displacement stage adapted to move along a first horizontal direction; a second horizontal displacement stage adapted to move along a second horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction being perpendicular to the first horizontal direction; and a lifting displacement stage adapted to move along a vertical direction. The first horizontal displacement stage, the second horizontal displacement stage, and the lifting displacement stage are connected in series, and the differential displacement stage is adapted to move along the first horizontal direction.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source further includes: a first horizontal adjustment knob, which is tractively connected to the first horizontal displacement stage; a second horizontal adjustment knob, which is tractively connected to the second horizontal displacement stage; and a lifting adjustment knob, which is tractively connected to the lifting displacement stage.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the movement direction of the differential displacement stage is oriented along the axial direction of the injection port.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle mounting base is rotatably disposed on the differential displacement stage and the rotation axis is perpendicular to the axial direction of the injection hole and parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source further includes a chromatographic column mounting base, which is connected to the spray needle mounting base, and the chromatographic column mounting base is adapted to mount a chromatographic column.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the needle mounting base is provided with a connecting rod, the chromatographic column mounting base is mounted on the connecting rod, and the connecting rod is arranged parallel to the nano-liter needle.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle mounting base is provided with a baffle, the baffle is provided with a notch, and the nano-needle is adapted to pass through the notch.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, a mass spectrometry nano-ion source is provided, the mass spectrometry nano-ion source including the adjustment mechanism of the mass spectrometry nano-ion source according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] The mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to the embodiments of the present invention has advantages such as high ionization efficiency, short collection time, good applicability, and precise and accurate adjustment by utilizing the adjustment mechanism of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mass spectrometer nanoliter ion source according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mass spectrometer nanoliter ion source according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the adjustment method of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure reference numerals: 1. Mass spectrometer nano-ion source; 10. Ion source outer cover; 11. Conical cover; 12. Sample inlet; 13. Observation window; 14. Vacuum interface cavity; 15. Quadrupole; 16. Vacuum pump interface; 20. Adjustment mechanism; 21. Differential displacement stage; 22. Spray needle mounting base; 22. Baffle; 221. Notch; 222. Differential head; 23. Triaxial displacement stage; 24. First horizontal adjustment knob; 25. Second horizontal adjustment knob; 26. Lifting adjustment knob; 27. Chromatographic column mounting base; 28. Connecting rod; 29. ​​Nano-inlet spray needle; 30. Chromatographic column; 40. Support platform; 50. Positioning bead; 51. Guide rod; 60. Positioning groove; 61. Taylor cone; 2. Target ion; 3. Neutral ion; 4. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This application is based on the findings and understanding of the following facts and issues: In related technologies, the nanoliter ion source for mass spectrometry uses pneumatic-assisted atomization or hot gas-assisted volatilization to promote the separation of ions from solvents.

[0028] Pneumatically assisted atomization works by using an atomizer or sheath tube to create negative pressure based on the Bernoulli effect, increasing the kinetic energy of the liquid and thus helping to overcome the surface tension of the droplets and disperse them. However, in reality, excessive kinetic energy of the droplets can easily lead to excessive droplet fragmentation, which can actually reduce ionization efficiency.

[0029] Hot gas-assisted evaporation involves using an inert gas such as nitrogen and a heating device to completely desolvate nanoscale charged droplets under the assistance of a heated nitrogen flow, forming free gaseous ions. However, this method suffers from poor heating effects when the nitrogen concentration is too low, while excessively high concentrations can carry away some of the nanoscale charged droplets, necessitating a longer ion collection time. This negatively impacts analytical efficiency and sensitivity, and the method is unsuitable for analyzing heat-sensitive samples such as biomolecules.

[0030] Specifically, the fundamental principle of nanoliter ion sources is based on the formation of Taylor cones by droplets through Coulomb explosions under the action of an electric field, thereby dispersing them into droplets or molecules at the nanoscale, thus separating ions from the solvent. However, if the droplets are excessively fragmented or have too much kinetic energy, it is not conducive to the sufficient accumulation of charge and the generation of Coulomb explosions. Therefore, the scale of droplet dispersion often does not reach the nanoscale, or the proportion of droplets or molecules that reach the nanoscale is low, resulting in a decrease in ionization efficiency.

[0031] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable 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 this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] The adjustment mechanism 20 of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the adjustment mechanism 20 of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a differential displacement stage 21, a nozzle mounting base 22, and a baffle 221.

[0035] A nano-sized nozzle 30 is mounted on a nozzle mounting base 22, which is located on a differential displacement stage 21. A differential head 23 is adapted to drive the differential displacement stage 21 to move and adjust the distance between the nano-sized nozzle 30 and the sample inlet 12 of the conical shroud 11 of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source 1.

[0036] Specifically, the mass spectrometer nano-ion source 1 includes an ion source housing 10, an adjustment mechanism 20, and a nano-jet nozzle 30.

[0037] The mass spectrometer nano-ion source 1 also includes a support platform 50, which is connected to the ion source outer cover 10, and the adjustment mechanism 20 is located on the support platform 50.

[0038] An ion source outer casing 10 is provided with a conical cover 11, and a sample inlet 12 is provided on the conical cover 11. An adjustment mechanism 20 is connected to the ion source outer casing 10. A nano-volume nozzle 30 is provided on the adjustment mechanism 20, and the distance between the nano-volume nozzle 30 and the sample inlet 12 is adjustable by the adjustment mechanism 20.

[0039] The nano-needle 30 is made of a conductive material and is voltage-loaded, for example, 5-8 kV. The applied voltage has the same polarity as the target ion to be analyzed; that is, a positive voltage is applied when positive ions are to be analyzed, and a negative voltage is applied when negative ions are to be analyzed. The droplets output by the nano-needle 30 are powered by a peristaltic pump.

[0040] The conical cover 11 is made of conductive material and forms the end of the vacuum interface cavity 14. A quadrupole 15 is provided inside the vacuum interface cavity 14, and a vacuum pump interface 16 is provided on the vacuum interface cavity 14. The conical cover 11 is grounded. A high-voltage electric field is formed between the conical cover 11 and the nanoliter nozzle 30.

[0041] The droplets output from the nano-jet needle 30 form Taylor cones 2 under the action of an electric field, and are eventually dispersed into nanoscale particles.

[0042] These particles include neutral droplets or molecules such as solvents, negatively or positively charged nanodroplets or macromolecules, with droplets or macromolecules bearing the target polarity (the same polarity loaded on the nano-needle 30) being the most numerous.

[0043] This is because the droplets output by the nano-needle 30 are not pneumatically accelerated. They are mainly discharged from the nano-needle 30 by the power provided by the upstream peristaltic pump. Furthermore, the aperture of the nano-needle 30 is relatively small, for example, less than or equal to 10 micrometers. Therefore, the output droplets have low kinetic energy and mainly rely on the electric field force to overcome the surface tension and undergo Coulomb explosion. Under the action of the electric field force, ions with the same polarity as those loaded by the nano-needle 30 will accumulate more at the far end of the Taylor cone 2, making it easier for Coulomb explosion to occur.

[0044] After a Coulomb explosion, in addition to forming droplets or macromolecules with the target polarity, droplets or molecules with opposite polarity and neutral polarity will also be formed. Droplets or molecules with opposite polarity to the target polarity will move away from the conical cover 11 under the repulsive effect of the electric field. Droplets or macromolecules with the target polarity and neutral polarity will enter the vacuum interface cavity 14 from the sample inlet 12 under the negative pressure suction of the vacuum interface cavity 14. Droplets or macromolecules with the target polarity will move downstream along the quadrupole 15 under the electric field constraint of the quadrupole 15, while neutral droplets or macromolecules will be discharged from the vacuum interface cavity 14 through the vacuum pump interface 16.

[0045] This application is based on the findings and understanding of the following facts and issues: In the above process, it is crucial to control the electric field force on the droplets to maintain a balance with the surface tension they need to overcome. Insufficient electric field force will lead to low ionization efficiency, while excessive electric field force will lead to excessive droplet fragmentation, and the droplet dispersion scale will not reach the nanoscale. Specifically, the method of determining the correspondence between electric field force and surface tension to be overcome can be based on the cone angle of the Taylor cone. The optimal cone angle is determined based on the ionization efficiency, and then the electric field distribution between the nanoliter nozzle and the conical orifice is adjusted to make the cone angle reach the range of the optimal cone angle, which can ensure that the ionization efficiency reaches the optimal level without the need for pneumatic assisted atomization and hot gas assisted volatilization.

[0046] Since the voltage applied to the nano-pressure nozzle 30 is a high voltage of kilovolts, it is difficult to adjust and consumes a lot of energy. The electric field distribution between the nano-pressure nozzle 30 and the conical cover 11 can only be adjusted by adjusting the relative position and orientation between the nano-pressure nozzle 30 and the conical cover 11.

[0047] By adjusting the distance between the nano-needle 30 and the sample inlet 12 of the conical shroud 11, and detecting the signal intensity of the target ion, the signal intensity of the target ion is high when the ionization efficiency is high. By adjusting the distance between the nano-needle 30 and the sample inlet 12 of the conical shroud 11, the signal intensity of the target ion is maximized. At this time, the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2 can be measured by an optical microscope system, which is the target cone angle. Subsequently, it is only necessary to observe whether the cone angle reaches the target cone angle to know whether the ionization efficiency has reached the optimal level.

[0048] According to the adjustment mechanism 20 of the mass spectrometry nano-ion source of this embodiment, by setting a differential displacement stage 21 and a differential head 23, the differential head 23 is adapted to drive the differential displacement stage 21 to move to adjust the distance between the nano-injection needle 30 and the sample inlet 12 of the conical shroud 11 of the mass spectrometry nano-ion source 1. This facilitates the adjustment of the distance between the nano-injection needle 30 and the conical shroud 11, thereby adjusting the electric field distribution between the nano-injection needle 30 and the conical shroud 11, and causing a change in the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2. In this way, by adjusting the distance between the nano-injection needle 30 and the sample inlet 12 of the conical shroud 11, and detecting the signal intensity of the target ion, when the ionization efficiency is high, the signal intensity of the target ion is high. By adjusting the adjustment mechanism 20 to make the signal intensity of the target ion the highest, the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2 at this time is measured, which is the target cone angle. Subsequently, it is only necessary to observe whether the cone angle reaches the target cone angle to know whether the ionization efficiency has reached the optimal level. Compared to related technologies that rely on pneumatically assisted atomization to improve ionization efficiency, this method avoids the problem of excessive droplet fragmentation due to excessive kinetic energy, which could lead to a decrease in ionization efficiency, thus improving the ionization efficiency of the nano-ion source 1 for mass spectrometry. Compared to related technologies that rely on hot gas-assisted evaporation to improve ionization efficiency, this method facilitates shorter ion collection time, improves analytical efficiency and sensitivity, and is applicable to the analysis of heat-sensitive samples such as biomolecules, thereby enhancing the applicability of the nano-ion source 1 for mass spectrometry.

[0049] Furthermore, by setting the differential head 23 to drive the differential displacement stage 21, the displacement of the differential displacement stage 21 at the micrometer level can be adjusted by adjusting the differential head 23, which facilitates fine adjustment of the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2 and accurate adjustment of the ionization efficiency of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source 1.

[0050] Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 20 of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to the present invention can improve ionization efficiency, shorten collection time, and improve applicability, and has the advantages of fine and accurate adjustment.

[0051] The adjustment mechanism 20 of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-5As shown, the adjustment mechanism 20 of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a differential displacement stage 21, a nozzle mounting base 22, and a baffle 221.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the adjustment mechanism 20 of the nano-ion source for mass spectrometry also includes a triaxial displacement stage 24, on which a differential displacement stage 21 is mounted. Specifically, the triaxial displacement stage 24 can adjust the position of the differential displacement stage 21 in the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions (as indicated by the arrows in the figure). This facilitates the adjustment of the position of the nano-jet needle 30 in various directions, making it easier to achieve a symmetrical shape for the Taylor cone 2, thereby facilitating the adjustment of the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2.

[0054] More specifically, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the three-axis displacement stage 24 includes a first horizontal displacement stage, a second horizontal displacement stage, and a lifting displacement stage. The first horizontal displacement stage is adapted to move along a first horizontal direction. The second horizontal displacement stage is adapted to move along a second horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The lifting displacement stage is adapted to move in a vertical direction. The first horizontal displacement stage, the second horizontal displacement stage, and the lifting displacement stage are arranged in series. The differential displacement stage 21 is adapted to move along the first horizontal direction. Specifically, Figures 2-4 The diagram illustrates an implementation where the first horizontal direction is the front-to-back direction and the second horizontal direction is the left-to-right direction. The second horizontal displacement platform is mounted on the support platform 50, the lifting displacement platform is mounted on the second horizontal displacement platform, the first horizontal displacement platform is mounted on the lifting displacement platform, and the differential displacement platform 21 is mounted on the first horizontal displacement platform. This allows the differential displacement platform 21 to move in various directions by moving the various displacement platforms, thereby achieving adjustment of the position of the nano-volume nozzle 30 in various directions.

[0055] Furthermore, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the adjustment mechanism 20 of the nanoliter ion source for mass spectrometry also includes a first horizontal adjustment knob 25, a second horizontal adjustment knob 26, and a lifting adjustment knob 27. The first horizontal adjustment knob 25 is drivenly connected to the first horizontal displacement stage. The second horizontal adjustment knob 26 is drivenly connected to the second horizontal displacement stage. The lifting adjustment knob 27 is drivenly connected to the lifting displacement stage. This allows for the movement of each displacement stage by rotating the knobs, facilitating the adjustment of the three-axis displacement stage 24.

[0056] Advantageously, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the differential displacement stage 21 moves along the axial direction of the injection port 12. This facilitates adjustment of the distance between the nanoliter nozzle 30 and the injection port 12, thereby facilitating adjustment of the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2.

[0057] More advantageously, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the nozzle mount 22 is rotatably mounted on the differential displacement stage 21, with its rotation axis perpendicular to the axial direction of the injection port 12 and parallel to the horizontal direction. This facilitates adjustment of the orientation of the nanoliter nozzle 30, makes it easier to make the Taylor cone 2 symmetrical, and thus facilitates adjustment of the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2.

[0058] Specifically, during adjustment, the nano-needle 30 is first adjusted left and right, up and down, and angle by rotating the second horizontal adjustment knob 26, the lifting adjustment knob 27, and the needle mounting base 22, so that the Taylor cone 2 presents a symmetrical shape. Then, the distance between the nano-needle 30 and the sample inlet 12 is roughly adjusted by the first horizontal adjustment knob 25 to adjust the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2. Finally, the distance between the nano-needle 30 and the sample inlet 12 is finely adjusted by the micrometer head 23, so that the ionization efficiency reaches the maximum value.

[0059] Optionally, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the adjustment mechanism 20 of the nano-ion source for mass spectrometry also includes a column mounting base 28, which is connected to a needle mounting base 22. The column mounting base 28 is adapted to mount a chromatographic column 40. Specifically, the chromatographic column 40 is connected to a nano-needle 30. This facilitates the installation of the chromatographic column 40.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, a connecting rod 29 is provided on the needle mount 22, and a column mount 28 is mounted on the connecting rod 29. The connecting rod 29 is arranged parallel to the nano-sized needle 30. This facilitates the connection between the column mount 28 and the needle mount 22, the setting of the column mount 28, and the installation of the column 40.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the nozzle mounting base 22 is provided with a baffle 221, and the baffle 221 has a notch 222, through which the nano-needle 30 is adapted. In this way, the baffle 221 can be used to block droplet splashing and avoid affecting the operation of the nano-ion source 1 of the mass spectrometer.

[0062] The following describes a mass spectrometry nano-ion source 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mass spectrometry nano-ion source 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an adjustment mechanism 20 for the mass spectrometry nano-ion source according to the above embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The mass spectrometer nano-ion source 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the advantages of high ionization efficiency, short collection time, good applicability, and precise and accurate adjustment by utilizing the adjustment mechanism 20 of the mass spectrometer nano-ion source according to the above embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Specifically, the mass spectrometry nano-ion source 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an ion source cover 10, an adjustment mechanism 20, and a nano-injection needle 30.

[0065] An ion source outer casing 10 is provided with a conical cover 11, and a sample inlet 12 is provided on the conical cover 11. An adjustment mechanism 20 is connected to the ion source outer casing 10. A nano-volume nozzle 30 is provided on the adjustment mechanism 20, and the distance between the nano-volume nozzle 30 and the sample inlet 12 is adjustable by the adjustment mechanism 20.

[0066] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the nano-needle 30 is movable at least in the axial direction of the inlet port 12. This facilitates adjustment of the distance between the nano-needle 30 and the inlet port 12 in the axial direction, and facilitates adjustment of the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2, thereby facilitating the adjustment of the ionization efficiency.

[0067] More specifically, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the nano-needle 30 is adapted to have its angle with the inlet port 12 adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 20. This allows the orientation of the nano-needle 30 to be adjusted by changing its angle, making it easier to make the Taylor cone 2 have a symmetrical shape, thus facilitating the adjustment of the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2.

[0068] Specifically, the adjustment mechanism 20 can adjust the position of the nano-needle 30 in the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions. During adjustment, firstly, the Taylor cone 2 is made symmetrical by adjusting left-right, up-down, and angle. Then, the distance between the nano-needle 30 and the injection port 12 is adjusted by adjusting the front-back direction to adjust the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2, so as to avoid the asymmetry of the Taylor cone 2 shape affecting the cone angle adjustment.

[0069] Advantageously, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ion source housing 10 is provided with an observation window 13 suitable for observing the Taylor cone 2 formed by droplets ejected from the nanoliter nozzle 30. Specifically, the observation window 13 is adapted to be docked with a microscope to facilitate observation of the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2. This facilitates the observation and measurement of the cone angle of the Taylor cone 2, thereby facilitating the adjustment of the ionization efficiency.

[0070] More advantageously, the nano-needle 30 is detachably mounted on the adjustment mechanism 20. This facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the nano-needle 30.

[0071] Furthermore, such as Figure 1As shown, the mass spectrometry nano-ion source 1 also includes a chromatographic column 40, which is detachably mounted on the adjustment mechanism 20. Specifically, the chromatographic column 40 is connected to a nano-needle 30. This allows the target solution to be separated by the chromatographic column 40 and sprayed into the nano-needle 30, facilitating the ejection of droplets of the target solution by the nano-needle 30. The detachable configuration also facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the chromatographic column 40.

[0072] Figures 2-4 A nanoliter mass spectrometry ion source 1 according to some examples of the present invention is shown. For example... Figures 2-4 As shown, the mass spectrometry nano-ion source 1 also includes a support platform 50, and an adjustment mechanism 20 is disposed on the support platform 50. The support platform 50 is slidably connected to the ion source housing 10 between a pushed-in position and a pulled-out position. When the support platform 50 is in the pushed-in position, the nano-injection needle 30 extends into the ion source housing 10; when the support platform 50 is in the pulled-out position, the nano-injection needle 30 is outside the ion source housing 10. This allows the support platform 50 to be pulled out to the pulled-out position when maintenance or replacement of the nano-injection needle 30 and the chromatographic column 40 is required, and then pushed back into the pushed-in position after maintenance or replacement, thus facilitating the maintenance and replacement of the nano-injection needle 30 and the chromatographic column 40.

[0073] Specifically, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the nano-ion source 1 for mass spectrometry also includes a guide rod 60, which is connected to the ion source casing 10. The support platform 50 is slidably mounted on the guide rod 60. This allows the guide rod 60 to guide the movement of the support platform 50, facilitating smooth and stable movement of the support platform 50.

[0074] More specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, one of the guide rod 60 and the support platform 50 is provided with a positioning groove 61 and the other with a positioning bead 51. When the support platform 50 is in the pushed-in position, the positioning bead 51 is adapted to be detachably engaged within the positioning groove 61. Specifically, there can be multiple positioning grooves 61, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the guide rod 60. This allows the support platform 50 to be positioned using the engagement of the positioning grooves 61 and the positioning beads 51, preventing the support platform 50 from moving arbitrarily and affecting the adjustment effect on the nano-lift nozzle 30.

[0075] Other configurations and operations of the mass spectrometry nano-ion source 1 according to the embodiments of this utility model are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0076] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0077] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A regulating mechanism for a nanoliter mass spectrometer ion source, characterized in that, include: Differential displacement stage; A nozzle mounting base, on which a nanoliter nozzle is mounted, is disposed on the differential displacement stage; A differential head, the differential head being adapted to drive the differential displacement stage to move in order to adjust the distance between the nanoliter nozzle and the sample inlet of the conical shroud of the mass spectrometer nanoliter ion source.

2. The adjustment mechanism of the nanoliter mass spectrometer ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a three-axis displacement stage, wherein the differential displacement stage is mounted on the three-axis displacement stage.

3. The adjustment mechanism of the nanoliter mass spectrometer ion source according to claim 2, characterized in that, The three-axis displacement stage includes: A first horizontal displacement stage, the first horizontal displacement stage being adapted to move along a first horizontal direction; A second horizontal displacement stage, adapted to move along a second horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction being perpendicular to the first horizontal direction; A lifting displacement platform is provided, which is adapted to move in the vertical direction. The first horizontal displacement platform, the second horizontal displacement platform and the lifting displacement platform are connected in series. The differential displacement platform is adapted to move in the first horizontal direction.

4. The adjustment mechanism of the nanoliter mass spectrometer ion source according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The first horizontal adjustment knob is connected to the first horizontal displacement table via a transmission mechanism. The second horizontal adjustment knob is connected to the second horizontal displacement stage via a transmission mechanism. A lifting adjustment knob is connected to the lifting displacement platform via a transmission mechanism.

5. The adjustment mechanism of the nanoliter mass spectrometer ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movement direction of the differential displacement stage is oriented along the axial direction of the injection port.

6. The adjustment mechanism of the nanoliter mass spectrometer ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle mounting base is rotatably mounted on the differential displacement stage, and the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the axial direction of the injection port and parallel to the horizontal direction.

7. The adjustment mechanism of the nanoliter mass spectrometer ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a column mount, which is connected to the needle mount, and the column mount is adapted to mount a column.

8. The adjustment mechanism of the nanoliter mass spectrometer ion source according to claim 7, characterized in that, The nozzle mounting base is provided with a connecting rod, the chromatographic column mounting base is mounted on the connecting rod, and the connecting rod is arranged parallel to the nano-liter nozzle.

9. The adjustment mechanism of the nanoliter mass spectrometer ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle mounting base is provided with a baffle, and the baffle has a notch, through which the nano-needle is adapted.

10. A nanoliter mass spectrometry ion source, characterized in that, It includes the adjustment mechanism of the mass spectrometer nanoliter ion source according to any one of claims 1-9.

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