Device for an ion spectrometric system that facilitates the transfer of ions

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for an ion spectrometric system that facilitates the transfer of ions, the apparatus comprising a concave ion deflector, the concave ion deflector comprising a plurality of conductive electrodes forming an inwardly curved surface and a pusher element for deflecting ions; an RF voltage supply for applying an RF voltage to the concave ion deflector; and an outlet designed and arranged to discharge a directed gas stream containing ions; the outlet and the concave ion deflector being arranged relative to one another such that the directed gas stream containing ions is directed towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector; the outlet being located outside the concave ion deflector;and the concave ion deflector is designed and arranged to retain and deflect ions coming from the exit, while simultaneously allowing other particles coming from the exit to pass through the inwardly curved surface. The present invention also relates to a method for facilitating the transfer of ions in an ion spectrometric system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to ion spectrometric systems that facilitate the transfer of ions, and more particularly to deflector assemblies used in the transport and deflection of ions from gas streams into other ion transfer components. Description of the state of the art

[0002] The device described here for facilitating the transfer of ions is an improvement on the techniques referred to in the literature regarding ion spectrometry, such as mass and / or ion mobility spectrometry—important tools in the analysis of a wide range of chemical compounds. Mass spectrometers can be used, for example, to determine the molecular weight of sample compounds. The analysis of samples by mass spectrometry consists of three main steps: formation of gas-phase ions from the sample material, mass analysis (more precisely, the analysis of the mass-to-charge ratio (m / z)) of the ions, and detection of the ions. In the field of mass spectrometry, various means and methods exist to perform each of these three functions. The specific combination of means and methods used in a particular mass spectrometer determines the characteristics of that instrument.

[0003] For example, ion mass analysis could use magnetic or electrostatic analysis, where ions passing through a magnetic or electrostatic field follow a curved trajectory. In a magnetic field, the curvature of the trajectory provides information about the ion's momentum-to-charge ratio. In an electrostatic field, the curvature of the trajectory provides information about the ion's energy-to-charge ratio. When magnetic and electrostatic analyzers are used sequentially, both the momentum-to-charge and energy-to-charge ratios of the ions are known, thereby determining the ion's mass. Other mass analyzers include quadrupole (Q), ion cyclotron resonance (ICR), time-of-flight (TOF), and ion trap analyzers (such as 3D, cylindrical, quadrupole, and Orbitrap™ ion trap analyzers).The analyzer that receives ions from the device described here may be any of these different types.

[0004] Before mass analysis can begin, gas-phase ions must be formed from a sample material. Examples of ionization techniques include electrospray ionization (ESI), matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization (MALDI), electron ionization (EI), and photoionization, to name a few.

[0005] Because ion production (ion source), mass analysis (mass analyzer), ion detection, and other means and steps that a mass spectrometer may include and implement—such as means for influencing, selecting, or fragmenting ions—may be located in different areas with different pressure regimes, ion transfer between the ion production area and the other areas can be of great importance for the function of the mass spectrometer. For example, when using an ESI ion source, ions are formed that are initially located in a high-pressure area (e.g., ≥ 0.1 bar) along with other components, such as carrier gas and incompletely desolvated liquid droplets generated by or resulting from the ESI.In order for the gas phase ions to enter the mass analyzer, the ions must therefore be separated from the other components that are prevalent in the ion production region and transported through one or more vacuum stages.

[0006] The use of multipole ion guides has proven to be an effective means of transporting ions through a vacuum system, see, for example, US 4,963,736 A. Various electrical devices, such as quadrupole, hexapole, or octopole rod systems, as well as stacked ring electrodes (see, for example, US 6,891,153 B2), are used under the generic term "ion guide" or "ion deflector." The function of the ion guides / ion deflectors is to hold, focus, and transport the ion beam through the individual vacuum stages by applying a DC voltage, a radiofrequency voltage, or a combination of applied voltages.

[0007] In order to improve the separation of ions from other components or particles prevalent in the ion production region and thereby reduce the level of contamination caused by the unwanted entry of particles other than ions into downstream regions, such as the mass analysis region, US 7,851,752 B2 proposes arranging the ion injection capillary orthogonally between the entrance of a stacked ring ion guide and an electrode plate, with a repulsive potential being applied to the electrode plate so that ions leaving the capillary are guided towards and into the inlet of the ion guide, whereas uncharged particles leaving the capillary are not affected by the repulsive potential and therefore pass through the entrance of the ion guide without being guided into the ion guide.However, because the ions are not injected directly into the ion guide, it may happen that the ions coming from the capillary are only partially redirected into the ion guide by the applied repulsive potential, especially if the gas load coming from the capillary is increased.

[0008] US 8,698,075 B2 discloses an in-guide orthogonal ion injection device comprising a stacked ring ion guide with an inlet capillary inserted into an opening located on one side of the ion guide between two electrode lenses downstream of a first electrode lens of the ion guide, which delivers ions orthogonal to the ion guide axis into the ion guide. Additionally, the in-guide orthogonal ion injection device further comprises a shield comprising an electrically insulating material covering the inlet capillary on its path through the opening into the ion guide.The inlet design according to US 8,698,075 B2 has the disadvantage that, although the inlet capillary is covered by a shield, a non-negligible and, if at all, only limitedly controllable interaction between the capillary and the ions generated at the capillary (even before their injection into the ion guide) with the ring electrodes in the immediate vicinity of the capillary extending into the ion guide is to be expected. Such interaction, in turn, can have a negative effect on the trajectory and movement of the ions injected into the ion guide and limit the ability to activate or otherwise influence the ions before they enter the ion guide. The shield covering the inlet capillary in the design according to US 8,698,075 B2, for example, could become charged and generate its own uncontrolled electric field.Furthermore, in the setup according to US 8,698,075 B2, the distance from the capillary outlet to the RF barrier in the ion guide is determined by the inner diameter of the ion guide, which means that an arbitrary adjustment of the distance for the ions coming from the inlet capillary for deceleration is not possible.

[0009] The same applies to the inlet design, as disclosed by Laskin et al. (“Multiplexing of Electrospray Ionization Sources Using Orthogonal Injection into an Electrodynamic Ion Funnel”, Anal. Chem. 2021, 93, 11576-11584), where implemented orthogonal injection inlets are also inserted directly into openings arranged on opposite sides of a stacked ring ion guide.

[0010] US 9,620,347 B2 discloses according to its Fig. also an embodiment in which ions are introduced orthogonally into a stacked ring ion guide through an opening arranged on one side of the ion guide. According to US 9,620,347 B2, the ion injection device does not necessarily extend into the opening of the ion guide. However, even in this case, strong and undesirable early disturbance of the ions injected by the ion injection device is to be expected if the ions enter the ion guide orthogonally, since the opening through which the ions enter the ion guide represents a channel consisting of several electrodes, through which the ions must first pass before reaching the interior of the ion guide.

[0011] Furthermore, especially in cases where high mass flows coming from the ion source (resulting, for example, from the use of atmospheric pressure interfaces and / or from the increasing capillary sizes in ESI) need to be transferred to regions of lower pressure, a highly efficient ion deflector is required for the transfer of ions in order to achieve a high degree of separation of ions from other particles while keeping ion loss as low as possible. However, because an increasing mass flow coming from the ion source exerts more force towards the deflector (i.e., towards the lower pressure), the above-mentioned requirements are not easy to meet at high mass flows and are often not met by deflectors known from the state of the art.If an ion trajectory is not bent sufficiently, ions are typically lost at the deflector electrodes or removed from the system along with the other components coming from the ion source (e.g., via the pump port). Conversely, if the ion trajectory is bent too sharply, the ions collide with the deflector elements on their way through, resulting in their loss. Accordingly, there is also a need for an RF deflector that can efficiently handle high mass flows and, in this respect, is suitable for transmitting a wide range of ion trajectories.

[0012] As discussed below, the device according to the present invention overcomes many of the limitations of prior art ion transfer devices. The device disclosed herein offers a unique combination of features that make it more suitable for use in transporting ions from an ion source to a mass analyzer by overcoming or minimizing the disadvantages associated with the aforementioned prior art ion transfer devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a device for an ion spectrometric system, preferably for a mass spectrometric and / or ion mobility spectrometric system, which facilitates the transfer of ions, the device comprising: a concave ion deflector, the concave ion deflector comprising a plurality of conductive electrodes forming an inwardly curved (i.e., inwardly domed) surface, and a pusher element for deflecting ions (in the downstream direction); an RF voltage supply for applying an RF voltage to the concave ion deflector, in particular for applying an RF voltage to at least a subset of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector; and an output configured and arranged to discharge a directed gas stream containing ions; where the outlet and the concave ion deflector are arranged relative to each other such that the directed gas stream containing ions is directed (substantially) towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector; the exit is located outside the concave ion deflector; and the concave ion deflector is designed and arranged to (at least partially) retain and deflect ions coming from the exit, while at the same time allowing other particles coming from the exit (typically uncharged particles) to pass through the inwardly curved surface.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a device for an ion spectrometric system, preferably for a mass spectrometric and / or ion mobility spectrometric system, which facilitates the transfer of ions, the device comprising: a concave ion deflector, the concave ion deflector comprising a plurality of conductive electrodes forming an inwardly curved (i.e., inwardly domed) surface, and a pusher element for deflecting ions (in the downstream direction); an RF voltage supply for applying an RF voltage to the concave ion deflector, in particular for applying an RF voltage to at least a subset of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector; and an output configured and arranged to discharge a directed gas stream containing ions; where the outlet is arranged so that an axis along which the ion-containing directed gas stream moves intersects the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector; the exit is located outside the concave ion deflector; and the concave ion deflector is designed and arranged to (at least partially) retain and deflect ions coming from the exit, while at the same time allowing other particles coming from the exit (typically uncharged particles) to pass through the inwardly curved surface.

[0015] An advantage of the device according to the invention is that the relative arrangement of the outlet and the concave ion deflector, in combination with the special design of the concave ion deflector according to the invention, enables ideal separation of the ions to be transferred from any other particles coming from the outlet. The fact that the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet is directed (essentially) toward the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector (i.e., toward the interior of the concave ion deflector) simultaneously advantageously ensures that a large proportion of the ions coming from the outlet experience the forces at the ion deflector provided to retain and deflect the ions.In particular, according to embodiments in which the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet is directed entirely toward the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, generally none, or at least only a negligible fraction, of the ions coming from the outlet leave the corresponding region without interacting with the electric fields prevailing at the ion deflector during operation. This interplay of influences maximizes the yield of ions that can be transferred from the outlet to other regions of the mass spectrometric system (such as the mass analyzer), while simultaneously achieving a highly efficient separation of components other than the ions also coming from the outlet (such as analyte molecules that were not ionized in the ion source, liquid droplets, or excess gas particles).

[0016] In this context, the concave shape of the ion deflector allows the directed gas flow comprising ions emitted from the exit towards the inwardly curved surface of the ion deflector to have a relatively large entrance area for entering the concave ion deflector, whereby the exit according to the invention can be located outside the concave ion deflector without any significant loss of the directed gas flow or the ions coming from the exit and moving towards the inwardly curved surface.

[0017] The relatively large entrance area for the ion-containing directed gas stream, made possible by the concave shape of the ion deflector, combined with the location of the exit outside the ion deflector, also has the effect of minimizing and, ideally, completely avoiding unwanted interactions, particularly between ions on their way from the exit into the ion deflector. By avoiding or reducing such unwanted interactions between ions before they reach the interior of the ion deflector, the deflection of the ions, which is intended to be achieved by the electric fields deliberately applied in the ion deflector, is more predictable and therefore easier to achieve.

[0018] In this way, the device according to the invention differs significantly from the devices for transferring ions known from the prior art, in which the ions are generated or injected in the immediate vicinity of the voltage-carrying components (e.g., in the vicinity of the electrodes of the ion guide) or in which the ions have to pass voltage-carrying components (such as electrodes or segments of electrodes) at a relatively short distance in order to reach the interior of the ion deflector or the ion guide.

[0019] The expression "that the ion-containing directed gas stream is directed (substantially) towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector" means in the context of the invention that the trajectory of the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit is such that the ion-containing directed gas stream moves substantially directly towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector and can reach the inwardly curved surface unless the particles of the ion-containing directed gas stream are previously retained and deflected by electric fields prevailing at the concave ion deflector during operation.Accordingly, the expression "that the ion-containing directed gas stream is directed (substantially) towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector" implies that there are generally no components on the initial trajectory set by the exit for the ion-containing directed gas stream with which the ion-containing directed gas stream exiting the exit could collide and thereby be prevented from reaching the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector.

[0020] The expression "that the ion-containing directed gas stream is directed (substantially) towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector" does not fundamentally exclude the presence of other parts or elements between the exit and the concave ion deflector. By way of example and in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the invention, components are permitted between the exit and the concave ion deflector as long as they are not located on the initial predetermined trajectory of the ion-containing directed gas stream flowing from the exit to the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector. Examples of such components are components which, due to their arrangement or shape, do not block the initial trajectory of the ion-containing directed gas stream flowing from the exit to the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, such as:a shield surrounding the outlet in such a way that the initial trajectory of the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet is not blocked.

[0021] According to other preferred embodiments of the invention, there are no other parts or elements of any kind between the output and the concave ion deflector.

[0022] The term "concave" is to be understood broadly in the context of the present invention and expresses that the ion deflector comprises a cavity with a corresponding inner (inwardly curved) surface. The inwardly curved surface can have various shapes and can, for example, be shaped like a "C", a "U", or a horseshoe in a two-dimensional projection. The inwardly curved surface can also have the shape of an open rectangle (cuboid), an open square (cube), or a ">" shape in a two-dimensional projection. According to the invention, it is also possible for the shape of the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector to vary along the ion deflector. However, according to various preferred embodiments, the shape of the inwardly curved surface remains the same along the concave ion deflector (at least within the limits of minor design-related deviations).

[0023] All forms of concave ion deflectors have in common that they have an opening through which the directed gas stream containing ions, which emanates from the outlet and moves toward the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, can easily enter the concave ion deflector. This opening may, but does not necessarily, extend the entire length of the concave ion deflector.

[0024] According to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector may comprise a protuberance, preferably located directly opposite the exit. Such a protuberance may serve as a pseudo-beam interrupter, e.g., to interrupt the directed gas flow coming from the exit to either side of the protuberance, rather than directing it directly to the conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector forming the inwardly curved surface. The protuberance may extend along the entire length of the inwardly curved surface or may be confined to a specific location or region of the inwardly curved surface.

[0025] For the purposes of the invention, "entering" the concave ion deflector or being "in" or "within" the concave ion deflector means that the ion-containing directed gas stream or its corresponding ions enter or are located in a region or cavity enclosed or surrounded by the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector or by any other components of the concave ion deflector (such as the concave electrodes of the concave ion deflector or the ring electrodes forming an ion tunnel or ion funnel, which may be part of the concave ion deflector and may serve as an entrance into the concave ion deflector for the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit).

[0026] Conversely, "outside" the concave ion deflector in the sense of the invention means outside the area or cavity enclosed or surrounded by the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector or by any other components of the concave ion deflector. With respect to the outlet located outside the concave ion deflector according to the invention, this means that the outlet is located outside the area or cavity enclosed or surrounded by the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector or by any other components of the concave ion deflector. Therefore, the outlet according to the invention also has, for example, no overlap with the electrodes of the concave ion deflector, differing in this respect from arrangements known from the prior art, such as those disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,698,075 B2.

[0027] As mentioned above and defined in the claims, according to the invention, the outlet and the concave ion deflector are arranged in such a way relative to one another that the directed gas flow containing ions is directed (essentially) towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector. Accordingly, the device according to the invention differs from such devices for transferring ions known from the prior art, in which an outlet is arranged in such a way that the ions coming from the outlet move towards an outwardly curved surface. The device according to the invention also differs from those devices for transferring ions known from the prior art, in which an outlet is arranged in such a way that the ions coming from the outlet move axially (i.e., parallel) into the ion deflector or ion guide without moving directly towards an internal surface (such as an inwardly curved surface) of the ion deflector or ion guide.

[0028] The fact that the outlet and the concave ion deflector are arranged in such a way that the directed gas flow containing ions is directed (essentially) towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector does not normally mean that the ions coming from the outlet actually reach or come into contact with the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector during operation, because the ions are normally previously retained by the electric fields prevailing at the concave ion deflector during operation and are deflected onto an ion guidance path leading (in a downstream direction) along the concave ion deflector.The situation is different for uncharged particles and constituents that also emerge from the exit along with the ions. Unlike the ions, these particles and constituents experience little or no retention and / or deflection by the electric fields prevailing during operation of the concave ion deflector. Instead, they continue to move toward the inwardly curved surface (mostly) unaffected by the prevailing electric fields and potentials. For this reason, and according to the invention, the concave ion deflector is designed in such a way that the particles and constituents that reach the inwardly curved surface can generally pass through it and consequently exit the concave ion deflector.

[0029] During operation, the concave ion deflector thus acts as an ion sieve, retaining ions while allowing other (particularly uncharged) components to pass through. During operation, the concave ion deflector thus at least partially, preferably substantially, and more preferably completely separates the ions contained in the directed gas stream from all other particles or components contained therein. The relative arrangement of the outlet and the concave ion deflector nevertheless ensures that the directed gas stream exiting the outlet, and in particular the ions contained therein, enter the concave ion deflector as completely as possible.

[0030] The invention also encompasses embodiments in which not all ions are retained by the electric field(s) prevailing at the concave ion deflector during operation. Such incomplete retention of ions may occur, for example, in the case of a large number of ions coming from the exit, or when the ions coming from the exit have a particularly high mass and / or velocity, so that the retention forces at the concave ion deflector are not strong enough to completely retain all ions coming from the exit. In general, however, the device according to the invention can achieve efficient separation of ions from the other components of the directed gas stream, even at high mass flows (such asat mass flows of 8 L / min) and deflect the ions on an ion guide path along the concave ion deflector towards, for example, a mass analyzer.

[0031] The RF voltage supply for applying an RF voltage to the concave ion deflector is configured to apply the RF voltage at least to specific regions of the concave ion deflector, such as, for example, to a subset of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector (e.g., to one or more electrodes). The RF voltage supply can be configured to apply an RF voltage with a frequency in the range between 100 kHz and 10 MHz, preferably in the range between 500 kHz and 5 MHz, particularly preferably in the range between 500 kHz and 1500 kHz. Furthermore, the RF voltage supply can be configured to apply an RF voltage with an amplitude in the range between 50 volts and 1500 volts, preferably between 50 volts and 500 volts, particularly preferably between 100 volts and 500 volts.The RF voltage applied to the concave ion deflector primarily serves to create an RF pseudopotential barrier to spatially confine ions entering the concave ion deflector and / or to repel ions approaching the inwardly curved surface, thereby preventing ions from passing through the inwardly curved surface or colliding with parts of the concave ion deflector. According to some embodiments, the RF voltage applied to the concave ion deflector may also serve to deflect ions entering the concave ion deflector to direct the ions onto an ion guidance path (downstream) along the concave ion deflector and enable the transfer of the ions into any devices that may be located downstream of the concave ion deflector, such as ion optics.

[0032] According to the invention, the concave ion deflector comprises a pusher element for deflecting ions, in particular for deflecting ions (downstream) along the concave ion deflector; i.e., along an ion guide path within the concave ion deflector or along the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector toward one end of the concave ion deflector. In other words, and in the sense of the present invention, the "pusher element for deflecting ions" can also be understood as a device by which the ions entering or approaching the concave ion deflector experience a driving force to move them along the concave ion deflector.The term "along the inwardly curved surface" is merely a directional description and does not imply that the guided ions necessarily come into contact with the inwardly curved surface or the inner parts of the concave ion deflector. In fact, due to the pseudopotential barrier created by the RF voltage applied to the concave ion deflector during operation, ions deflected in a direction along the concave ion deflector preferentially do not come into contact with the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, or even with the concave ion deflector at all.

[0033] Accordingly, the ion deflection pusher serves to direct the ions coming from the exit onto an ion guide path (in the downstream direction) along the concave ion deflector to facilitate the transfer of the ions coming from the exit and to transfer them from one region of an ion spectrometric system to another region.Furthermore, the pusher element and the (typically sideways) movement that the pusher element exerts on the ions that have previously moved from the exit to the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector assists in the separation of the ions from other particles and constituents of the directed gas stream exiting the exit. The force that the pusher element exerts on the ions during operation changes their trajectory relative to other (uncharged) particles and constituents, thereby promoting spatial separation of the ions from these other particles and constituents.

[0034] Preferably, the movement of ions entering or approaching the concave ion deflector (in a downstream direction) along the concave ion deflector is achieved by applying a DC voltage to at least a portion of the concave ion deflector to create a DC voltage gradient along the concave ion deflector and thus force the ions along a (downstream-guided) ion guide path leading to one end of the concave ion deflector. The applied DC field may be a linear, logarithmic, parabolic, or other function. Preferably, the created DC voltage gradient may be in the range of 5 to 200 volts per centimeter of length of the concave ion deflector, preferably in the range of 30 to 150 volts per centimeter of length of the concave ion deflector.

[0035] Accordingly, according to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the device according to the invention may further comprise a DC voltage supply for applying a DC voltage to the concave ion deflector, in particular for applying a DC voltage to at least a subset of the plurality of conductive electrodes and / or to the pusher element of the concave ion deflector. However, according to the invention, the deflection and movement of the ions along the concave ion deflector may also be realized by applying an RF voltage (with a preselected frequency and amplitude) to at least a subset of the plurality of conductive electrodes, which direct the ions entering or approaching the concave ion deflector along an ion guidance path.

[0036] Preferably, the pushing element comprises or is a repulsion electrode.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the repulsion electrode can also serve as a terminal electrode at one end of the concave ion deflector. In this case, such a terminal electrode is arranged, for example, at one of the two ends of the plurality of conductive electrodes forming the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector in such a way that the DC voltage applied to the terminal electrode can push the ions entering the concave ion deflector in the downstream direction of the concave ion deflector.

[0038] For the purposes of the invention, the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector is to be understood as a fictitious surface formed by a plurality of conductive electrodes and extending over the inner walls of these electrodes (including any holes in these electrodes and any gaps between adjacent electrodes) and which is generally at least partially permeable to at least certain particles (in particular uncharged particles) coming from the exit. The ability of the concave ion deflector to allow (in particular uncharged) particles coming from the exit to pass through the inwardly curved surface can be realized in various ways. For example,in or between the plurality of conductive electrodes forming the inwardly curved surface, there are holes or channels through which those particles which are not retained by the forces prevailing in the concave ion deflector and are deflected onto a path (in a downstream direction) along the concave ion deflector can leave the concave ion deflector again.

[0039] It should be noted that the concave ion deflector of a device according to the invention may not allow all particles coming from the exit and reaching the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector to pass through it (because they are not deflected or retained properly by the forces prevailing in the concave ion deflector), because some of such particles may, for example, not encounter one of the holes, gaps or channels in the concave ion deflector or, after entering one of the channels of the concave ion deflector, may collide with the inner wall of that channel.Therefore, the term "the concave ion deflector is designed and arranged to retain and deflect ions coming from the exit, while at the same time allowing other particles coming from the exit to pass through the inwardly curved surface" is to be understood in the sense of the present invention as allowing at least some particles coming from the exit (and which are not deflected onto a downstream path along the concave ion deflector by the forces prevailing in the concave ion deflector) to pass through the concave ion deflector. However, according to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the concave ion deflector is designed and arranged such that at least a substantial portion of the particles coming from the exit and not deflected onto a (downstream) path along the concave ion deflector can pass through the inwardly curved surface.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the invention, ions coming from the exit and possibly not properly deflected onto a path (downstream) along the concave ion deflector can also pass through the concave ion deflector together with uncharged particles.

[0041] According to various preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more, preferably all, of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector (forming the inwardly curved surface) are concave. Preferably, one or more, preferably all, of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector (forming the inwardly curved surface) are C-shaped, U-shaped, and / or horseshoe-shaped electrodes. Preferably, the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector each have a thickness in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm, more preferably a thickness in the range of 0.45 mm to 0.65 mm.

[0042] For the purposes of the present invention, "multiple conductive electrodes" is understood to mean two or more electrodes. The term "multiple conductive electrodes" is to be interpreted broadly within the meaning of the invention. The concave ion deflector preferably comprises a number of 5 to 40, particularly preferably 18 to 20, electrodes.

[0043] Furthermore, according to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are (at least partially) aligned along a common axis, such that the electrodes form an ion guidance path. According to such preferred embodiments, the inwardly curved surface is typically formed by the alignment of the plurality of (concave) conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector, typically extending across all aligned electrodes.

[0044] The plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector can be aligned along a common axis, e.g., by a holder that keeps the electrodes aligned and / or by connecting the electrodes to one another using spacers between the electrodes. The holder and / or the spacers preferably comprise or are made of an electrically insulating material. Accordingly, the holder and / or the spacers preferably have an electrically insulating effect.It goes without saying that if the spacers are located between adjacent conductive electrodes, the spacers are configured and arranged in such a way that they do not significantly prevent other particles and constituents (typically uncharged particles), unlike ions and charged molecules, from passing through the inwardly curved surface formed by the conductive electrodes.

[0045] Preferably, adjacent aligned electrodes of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are separated from one another by separation distances (also referred to as gaps), more preferably by uniform separation distances. Preferably, the separation distances between adjacent aligned electrodes of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm (measured from the end of one electrode to the beginning of the adjacent aligned electrode). Reduced open separation distances between adjacent aligned electrodes lead to higher maximum repulsive fields that can be generated during operation (i.e., during application of an RF voltage to the concave ion deflector) prevail at the inwardly curved surface, and therefore increase the RF pseudopotential barrier for the ions coming from the exit and moving towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector. The distances between adjacent aligned electrodes, measured from center to center of the adjacent aligned electrodes, may be in the range of 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm. The separation distances between adjacent aligned electrodes of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector may be fully or partially filled with a material having electrically insulating properties.

[0046] According to further preferred embodiments of the invention, adjacent aligned electrodes of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are separated from each other by separation distances, one, several or all of these separation distances forming flow paths through which the particles coming from the exit (which are not deflected by the forces prevailing in the concave ion deflector onto a path in a downstream direction along the concave ion deflector) can leave the concave ion deflector.

[0047] According to the invention, the outlet can generally be of any type, as long as it can emit a directed gas stream containing ions. However, according to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the outlet can be a capillary or a nozzle, preferably a capillary for electrospray ionization (ESI). According to preferred embodiments, the diameter of a capillary or nozzle is in the range of 0.1 to 1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 1.3 mm.

[0048] Another conceivable type of output is a device for matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization (MALDI), wherein the device is constructed and arranged such that the MALDI sample, after desorption and ionization, moves or is guided (at least partially) towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector. Furthermore, the output can be configured such that ions generated by more than one ionization technique and / or originating from more than one ion source are emitted simultaneously or sequentially towards the (inwardly curved surface of the) concave ion deflector. The output can, for example, comprise a device for ejecting ions generated by MALDI and a device for ejecting ions generated by ESI. The invention also encompasses embodiments in which, for example,a matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization is carried out from the back of the concave ion deflector and in which the ions, after desorption and ionization, first move to the front of the concave ion deflector, where they are pushed by an exit, e.g. by a gas flow from a capillary, towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector.

[0049] The concave ion deflector for a device according to the invention or the electrodes of a corresponding concave ion deflector can, in principle, be made of any material suitable for this purpose. Typically, the ion deflector or the electrodes of a corresponding concave ion deflector are made of one or more materials selected from the group comprising or consisting of beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, stainless steel, Inconel™, Elgiloy™, and Hastelloy™. Materials with superior corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel, Inconel™, Elgiloy™, and Hastelloy™, are preferred.

[0050] As already mentioned above, all forms of the concave ion deflector have in common that they have an opening through which the ion-containing directed gas stream, emanating from the exit and moving toward the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, can easily enter the concave ion deflector. The size of the opening through which the ion-containing directed gas stream, emanating from the exit and moving toward the inwardly curved surface, can enter the concave ion deflector can vary according to the invention and can be determined, among other things, by the extent to which the sides of the inwardly curved surface or the components of the concave ion deflector at the opening enclose a region or cavity within the concave ion deflector.According to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector or the electrodes of the concave ion deflector at the opening of the concave ion deflector can enclose a region or cavity within the concave ion deflector by 45 to 315°, preferably by 120 to 240°, particularly preferably by 180°. In cases where, for example, the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector has the shape of a semicircle or the shape of a "U" in a two-dimensional projection, the inwardly curved surface (and the electrodes of the concave ion deflector that form the shape of a semicircle or the shape of a "U") encloses a region or cavity within the concave ion deflector by 180°. If the inwardly curved surface encloses the region less tightly, the value is smaller, and vice versa.

[0051] The size of the opening through which the ion-containing directed gas stream, emanating from the exit and moving toward the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, can enter the concave ion deflector can also be determined by the distance between the two opposite sides of the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, which approach each other (compared to a flat surface) due to the curvature of the inwardly curved surface. According to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the shortest distance between the two opposite sides of the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, which approach each other due to the curvature of the inwardly curved surface, can be in the range of 10 to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 15 to 40 mm, more preferably in the range of 20 to 30 mm, in particular 25 mm.Additionally or alternatively, the opening through which the ion-containing directed gas stream, which emanates from the outlet and moves towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, can enter the concave ion deflector, preferably has an extent of at least 10 to 50 mm, preferably 15 to 35 mm, particularly preferably 20 to 30 mm, in particular 25 mm.

[0052] The preferred dimensions for the size of the opening through which the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit can enter the concave ion deflector, as stated above and defined in the claims, also define, to some extent, the type and degree of curvature of the concave ion deflector. Some curvature of the concave ion deflector is required to assist in the deflection and steering of the ions coming from the exit.The preferred dimensions for the size of the above-mentioned opening represent an ideal balance between an opening still sufficiently large for easy and largely undisturbed entry of the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet into the concave ion deflector and, at the same time, the presence of a sufficient concave curvature for the reception, confinement and desired deflection of the ions contained in the directed gas stream onto and along an ion guidance path (in the downstream direction) by the electric fields prevailing in the concave ion deflector.

[0053] According to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the length of the concave ion deflector or the length of the ion guide path (with or without any ion tunnels or ion funnels that may be located upstream and / or downstream of the concave ion deflector) is in the range of 10 to 100 mm, preferably in the range of 10 to 50 mm, more preferably in the range of 15 to 25 mm. Such a length has been found to be sufficient and advantageous for efficient deflection, reorientation, and spatial confinement of ions, along with simultaneous separation from other (uncharged) particles and constituents also emerging from the exit.

[0054] The angle at which the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet moves toward the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector or at which it enters the concave ion deflector is, in principle, freely selectable. However, according to the invention, such arrangements of the outlet and the concave ion deflector are preferred that result in a substantially perpendicular direction of movement of the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet toward the inwardly curved surface or toward the opening of the concave ion deflector.Such a direction of motion has a beneficial effect on the separation of ions from other particles also emerging from the exit (the more perpendicular the direction of incidence of the ion-containing directed gas stream emerging from the exit is to the deflection direction imposed on the ions in the concave ion deflector, the more these two directions differ from each other and the more effective the separation of ions from other particles in the concave ion deflector). In addition, a largely perpendicular direction of motion of the ion-containing directed gas stream emerging from the exit toward the inwardly curved surface or toward the opening of the concave ion deflector promotes the re-emission of particles other than ions from the concave ion deflector.

[0055] However, a not completely perpendicular angle of incidence is also conceivable and can be advantageous in that an oblique angle of incidence of the ions (e.g. 45° with respect to the common axis along which the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are aligned) requires lower forces to deflect the ions coming from the exit onto an ion guidance path (in the downstream direction) along the concave ion deflector and makes it possible to at least partially utilize the initial kinetic energy of the ions coming from the exit for their path along the concave ion deflector (at least if the direction of movement of the ions coming from the exit is such that they are already partially moving towards the downstream exit of the concave ion deflector).

[0056] Therefore, according to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the outlet and the concave ion deflector may be arranged in such a way that the ion-containing directed gas flow emanating from the outlet moves towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector at an angle of 35 to 145°, preferably at an angle of 45 to 90°, and more preferably moves orthogonally towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector.Furthermore, according to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the outlet and the concave ion deflector can be arranged in such a way to one another that the ion-containing directed gas flow emanating from the outlet moves towards and / or enters the concave ion deflector at an angle of 35 to 145° with respect to the common axis along which the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are (at least partially) aligned, preferably at an angle of 45 to 90° with respect to the common axis along which the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are (at least partially) aligned, and more preferably moves towards and / or enters the concave ion deflector orthogonally with respect to the common axis along which the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are (at least partially) aligned.In addition or alternatively to the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, according to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the outlet and the concave ion deflector may be arranged in such a way to each other that the ion-containing directed gas flow emanating from the outlet moves towards and / or enters the concave ion deflector at an angle of 35 to 145° (preferably at an angle of 45 to 90°, more preferably perpendicular) with respect to the orientation of the force, in particular with respect to the orientation of the electric (DC) field prevailing at or applied to the concave ion deflector in order to move or deflect the ions entering the concave ion deflector (in the downstream direction) along the concave ion deflector.

[0057] According to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the outlet and the concave ion deflector may be arranged relative to one another in such a way that the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet moves toward one end of the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector. Additionally or alternatively, the outlet and the concave ion deflector may be arranged relative to one another in such a way that the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet enters the concave ion deflector at an outermost end of the concave ion deflector.The realization of such an entry point of the ion-containing directed gas flow emanating from the exit advantageously ensures the fullest possible use of the length of the concave ion deflector for deflecting and influencing the ions entering the concave ion deflector on their way through it to the other end of the concave ion deflector.

[0058] According to further preferred embodiments of the invention, the outlet and the concave ion deflector can be arranged relative to one another such that the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet moves toward a location on the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector near the pusher element, preferably near a repulsion electrode. Such proximity of the ions entering the concave ion deflector with the directed gas stream to the pusher element ensures an intensive effect of the force exerted on the ions by the pusher element during operation, thus achieving efficient deflection and movement of the ions through the concave ion deflector.

[0059] According to various preferred embodiments, the device according to the invention may further comprise a shield, which shield at least partially surrounds the outlet (naturally in such a way that the initial trajectory of the ion-containing directed gas flow emanating from the outlet is not blocked). As already mentioned above, the shape of the ion deflector as a concave, not completely closed ion deflector and the fact that the outlet is located outside the concave ion deflector have (among other things) the effect of keeping undesirable interactions of the ions coming from the outlet low and reducing them to a minimum before they approach or enter the ion deflector. The shield essentially serves to reduce undesirable interactions of the ions that may nevertheless occur on their way from the outlet to the concave ion deflector.The shield may comprise or consist of any electrically conductive or electrically insulating material that can reduce any undesirable interactions of the ions that might otherwise occur on their way from the exit to the concave ion deflector.

[0060] The shield may extend into the concave ion deflector, i.e., into the region or cavity enclosed or surrounded by the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shield is located directly in front of the concave ion deflector, i.e., directly in front of the region or cavity enclosed or surrounded by the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, and therefore preferably does not extend into the concave ion deflector.

[0061] Preferably, the shield is in the form of a tube, with the outlet extending into the tube. Configuring the shield as a tube further offers the advantage that the outlet, which extends at least partially into the tube, can be shielded against any interference at a maximum possible angle of 360° while simultaneously being kept clear.

[0062] According to the invention, one, two, more than two, or all of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector can be supplied with an RF voltage. According to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, each of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector can be connected to an RF potential.

[0063] As mentioned above, the applied RF voltage may not only serve to prevent the ions coming from the exit and moving toward the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector from reaching the inwardly curved surface and thus preventing them from colliding with the inner walls of the concave ion deflector or exiting the concave ion deflector through the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector. The RF voltage may, according to some embodiments, additionally also serve to guide the ions along a path (i.e., on an ion guide path) downstream of the concave ion deflector.

[0064] According to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the RF voltage applied to the concave ion deflector may comprise two or more phases, preferably two phases (0°, 180°), alternately applied to adjacent electrodes of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector. Furthermore, the RF potential at any one of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector connected to an RF potential may be 180 degrees out of phase with the RF potential at an adjacent electrode. Applying the RF potentials in this manner reduces the generation of pseudopotential wells, thereby preventing or at least minimizing ion trapping.

[0065] The device according to the invention may further comprise at least one pump port, wherein the concave ion deflector is preferably located between the outlet and the at least one pump port. Such a preferred arrangement of the concave ion deflector, the outlet, and the pump port has the advantage that the particles of the directed gas stream exiting the outlet and passing through the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector can be immediately and efficiently removed.

[0066] According to the invention, it is not excluded that further devices contributing to the transfer of ions are connected to or part of the concave ion deflector. According to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the concave ion deflector may comprise (e.g., be operatively coupled to) at least one ion tunnel or ion funnel. For the purposes of the present invention, an ion funnel differs from an ion tunnel primarily in that the inner diameter gradually decreases or increases along its longitudinal extent or the direction of movement of the ions. An ion tunnel or ion funnel may be arranged both upstream and downstream of the concave ion deflector.

[0067] According to various preferred embodiments of the invention, the concave ion deflector comprises at least one ion tunnel or ion funnel located downstream of the concave ion deflector, ie, located downstream of the region in which the deflection of ions onto an ion guide path along the concave ion deflector and the separation of other (in particular uncharged) particles takes place.

[0068] An ion tunnel or ion funnel located downstream of the concave ion deflector is preferably formed by a plurality of ring electrodes. The downstream ion tunnel or ion funnel typically directly follows the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector. According to such preferred embodiments, the ion tunnel or ion funnel forms an extension of the ion guidance path and further serves to further guide and spatially confine the ions. When such ion funnels are located downstream of the concave ion deflector, those with an inner diameter decreasing in the direction of travel are preferred.

[0069] As already mentioned above, an ion tunnel or ion funnel may additionally or alternatively be located upstream of the concave ion deflector. According to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the ion-containing directed gas flow emanating from the exit enters the concave ion deflector via an ion tunnel or ion funnel, wherein the ion tunnel or ion funnel is designed and arranged to focus (at least a portion of) the ions emerging from the exit as the ions move toward the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector.In particular, the ion tunnel or ion funnel, through which the ion-containing directed gas stream emerging from the exit enters the concave ion deflector, can be capable of focusing the ions coming from the exit (which can reach and enter the corresponding ion tunnel or ion funnel as a kind of ion cloud in which the ions are scattered over a relatively wide area) into an ion beam before separation from uncharged particles takes place by deflecting this ion beam downstream along an ion guide path. By focusing the ions into an ion beam before deflection, the mass bandwidth and sensitivity of the ion spectrometric system can be improved.

[0070] The ion tunnel or ion funnel, through which the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit can preferably enter the concave ion deflector, can be formed by extending at least a subset of the plurality of conductive (concave) electrodes of the concave ion deflector, wherein preferably the cutout dimension of the corresponding extensions is also varied, so that an ion funnel or ion tunnel results. For example, some or all of the (concave) electrodes of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector can be extended and varied in the cutout dimension as a function of the number of electrodes, so that an ion tunnel or ion funnel results. Alternatively, the ion tunnel or ion funnel, through which the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit enters the concave ion deflector, can be made up of separate electrodes, such asseveral ring electrodes with or without increasing or decreasing inner diameter in the direction of movement (ie, in the downstream direction).

[0071] According to further preferred embodiments of the invention, the ion tunnel or ion funnel through which the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit can enter the concave ion deflector preferably comprises a constriction along its direction of travel (ie, in the downstream direction) into which the ions coming from the exit are guided and focused during their path towards the inwardly curved surface.The guidance of the ions into the constriction of the ion tunnel or ion funnel can be achieved by a force, preferably an electric (DC) field, that pushes the ions into the constriction, while an RF voltage applied to the electrodes of the ion tunnel or ion funnel and the correspondingly generated RF pseudopotential barrier prevent the ions pushed into the constriction from colliding with the inner parts of the ion tunnel or ion funnel or from exiting the ion tunnel or ion funnel through any holes or gaps between its electrodes. The force for pushing the ions into the constriction of the ion tunnel or ion funnel can be provided by the same pushing element for deflecting the ions that already provides a driving force for ions entering or approaching the concave ion deflector, moving them (in a downstream direction) along the concave ion deflector.According to embodiments in which the pushing element is a repulsion electrode, the corresponding repulsion electrode can, for example, be extended over the length of the ion tunnel or ion funnel to fulfill the additional task of pushing the ions into the constriction of the ion tunnel or ion funnel. In such cases, the repulsion electrode also typically represents the termination on one side of the ion tunnel or ion funnel.

[0072] The above-mentioned constriction for the ion tunnel or ion funnel can be designed and implemented in various ways. According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the ion tunnel or ion funnel, through which the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit can enter the concave ion deflector, can be designed such that the inner region of the ion tunnel or ion funnel has a teardrop shape in cross-section (i.e., perpendicular to the direction of movement). Such a teardrop shape has proven particularly efficient and practical for focusing the ions in the ion tunnel or ion funnel.

[0073] In particular, according to the embodiments in which the ion tunnel or ion funnel, through which the ion-containing directed gas flow emanating from the exit can enter the concave ion deflector, is formed by an extension of at least a subset of the plurality of conductive (concave) electrodes of the concave ion deflector, which vary in cutout dimension, the specific shape of the interior region of the ion tunnel or ion funnel in cross-section (i.e., perpendicular to the direction of movement) is determined by the type and extent of the selected different cutout dimensions for the individual electrodes. The variation of the cutout dimensions for the individual electrodes (e.g.The cross-sectional shape of the inner region of the ion tunnel or ion funnel (e.g., to achieve a circular or teardrop shape for the inner region of the ion tunnel or ion funnel in cross-section) typically results in the formation of steps or edges that occur at the junction of the electrode extensions with different cutout dimensions (and are visible in the cross-section of the ion tunnel or ion funnel). Since such steps or edges can increase the risk of unwanted ion capture, the cross-sectional shape (i.e., perpendicular to the direction of travel) of the inner region of the ion tunnel or ion funnel, through which the ion-containing directed gas flow emanating from the exit can enter the concave ion deflector, according to preferred embodiments of the invention, has (substantially) no steps or edges, and / or comprises rounded edges. Such measures reduce the risk of unwanted ion capture.

[0074] According to embodiments in which the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit can enter the concave ion deflector via an ion funnel, the ion funnel can preferably be designed such that the inner diameter of the ion funnel gradually increases along its direction of travel (i.e., diverges in the downstream direction). In other words, according to preferred embodiments of the invention, the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit enters the concave ion deflector via an ion funnel with a gradually increasing inner diameter along its direction of travel. A gradual increase (as well as a gradual decrease) in the inner diameter of the ion funnel along its direction of travel can be achieved, for example, by gradually varying the cutout of the extended portions of the electrodes forming the ion funnel in the direction of travel.A diameter diverging along the direction of travel provides an additional advantage in that the RF potential applied to a corresponding ion funnel serves to drive the ions, by means of the diverging geometry, even more strongly toward the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector (and therefore toward the region where the deflection of the ions and separation of other particles coming from the exit takes place). According to other preferred embodiments of the invention, the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit can enter the concave ion deflector via an ion funnel with a gradually decreasing inner diameter along its direction of travel.

[0075] According to a further aspect, the invention also relates to a method for facilitating the transfer of ions in an ion spectrometric system, preferably in a mass spectrometric and / or ion mobility spectrometric system, the method comprising the following steps: a) Providing a device, preferably providing a device or a preferred embodiment thereof as defined above and in the claims, comprising a concave ion deflector, the concave ion deflector comprising a plurality of conductive electrodes forming an inwardly curved (i.e., inwardly domed) surface, and a pusher element for deflecting ions; an RF voltage supply for applying an RF voltage to the concave ion deflector, in particular for applying an RF voltage to at least a subset of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector; and an outlet located outside the concave ion deflector and designed and arranged to discharge a directed gas stream containing ions; b) Emitting a directed gas stream containing ions from the outlet and towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, c) Retaining and deflecting (at least a portion of) ions entering or approaching the concave ion deflector, while at the same time allowing other particles coming from the exit to pass through the inwardly curved surface.

[0076] For further explanations of the method according to the invention and the devices used therein, reference is made to the explanations of the device above, which also apply mutatis mutandis to the method. BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify and illustrate the invention. The elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale, but rather are intended to illustrate (often schematically) the principles of the invention. Fig. Figure 1A illustrates an exemplary arrangement for an outlet (a capillary), a (tubular) shield, and a concave ion deflector in a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1B is a plan view of the Fig. Embodiment shown in Figure 1A. Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates in a cross-sectional view an exemplary arrangement for the outlet (capillary), the (tubular) shield, the concave ion deflector and a pump connection in a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3A illustrates in a cross-sectional view an exemplary arrangement for the (tubular) shield and a concave ion deflector in a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the context of a mass spectrometric setup. Fig. Figure 3B schematically illustrates in a cross-sectional view another exemplary arrangement for the exit (capillary), the (tubular) shield and the concave ion deflector in a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the context of a mass spectrometric setup. Fig. Figure 4A illustrates an oblique view of an example of a plurality of U-shaped electrodes, wherein the U-shaped electrodes are aligned along a common axis such that the electrodes form an ion guide path. Fig. 4B is a rear view of Fig. 4A. Fig. 4C is a side view of Fig. 4A. Fig. Figure 5A illustrates, in an oblique view, another example of a plurality of U-shaped electrodes, wherein the U-shaped electrodes are aligned along a common axis such that the electrodes form an ion guide path. Fig. 5B is a rear view of Fig. 5A. Fig. 5C is a side view of Fig. 5A. Fig. Figure 6A illustrates a preferred embodiment of a concave ion deflector comprising an ion tunnel located upstream of the concave ion deflector and an ion tunnel located downstream of the concave ion deflector. Fig. Figure 6B is an oblique sectional view of the Fig. 6A. Fig. Figure 7A shows a cross-sectional plan view of a preferred embodiment of a concave ion deflector comprising an ion tunnel arranged upstream of the concave ion deflector and an ion funnel arranged downstream of the concave ion deflector. Fig. Figure 7B is an oblique view of the Fig. 7A shows the cross-sectional view. Fig. Figure 8A illustrates a section of a preferred embodiment of a concave ion deflector comprising an ion funnel through which a directed gas stream containing ions, emanating from the exit, enters the concave ion deflector. Fig. Figure 8B shows a side view of Fig. 8A. Fig. Figure 9A schematically shows in a cross-sectional view a concave ion deflector with an inwardly curved surface comprising a protuberance. Fig. Figure 9B shows schematically in a cross-sectional view the concave ion deflector of Fig. 9A and illustrates how the protuberance serves as a pseudo-beam interrupter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Fig. Figure 1A shows an exemplary arrangement for an outlet (a capillary) 40, a (tubular) shield 30, and a concave ion deflector 10 in a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The concave ion deflector 10 comprises a plurality of concave (U-shaped) electrodes 11 aligned along a common axis and forming an inwardly curved surface 13, a repulsion electrode 12, and an ion tunnel 14 located downstream of the concave ion deflector and formed by a plurality of ring electrodes aligned along the same axis as the plurality of concave electrodes 11.The concave ion deflector 10 comprises, in the example shown, fourteen U-shaped electrodes and ten ring electrodes along its entire length, which can be alternately supplied with two phases of an RF voltage (0° -180° -0° -180°) to generate an electric field that slows down the ions coming from the capillary 40 and prevents the ions from reaching the inwardly curved surface 13 of the concave ion deflector and consequently coming into contact with the electrodes or passing through the gaps between the electrodes through the inwardly curved surface 13 of the concave ion deflector 10.

[0079] The Fig. 1A includes an opening through which a directed gas stream containing ions, emanating from the capillary 40 and moving toward the inwardly curved surface 13 of the concave ion deflector 10, can easily enter the concave ion deflector 10. The opening of the concave ion deflector 10 extends the length of the alignment of the plurality of concave (U-shaped) electrodes 11 along a common axis. By aligning the plurality of concave (U-shaped) electrodes 11 along a common axis, as shown in Fig. 1A (and the inwardly curved surface 13 formed thereby), a region or cavity within the concave ion deflector is enclosed by 180°. The opening of the concave ion deflector 10, through which the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the capillary 40 and moving toward the inwardly curved surface 13 can enter the concave ion deflector, is nevertheless large enough to allow the ions to enter the concave ion deflector 10 substantially unaffected by any interfering fields.

[0080] As already mentioned, in Fig. 1A, the capillary 40 is designed and arranged to emit a directed gas stream containing ions. The capillary 40 is arranged such that the directed gas stream containing ions emanating from the capillary 40 moves orthogonally toward the inwardly curved surface 13 of the concave ion deflector 10 or enters the concave ion deflector 10 orthogonally with respect to the common axis along which the U-shaped electrodes 11 are aligned. In the example shown, ions can be formed at substantially atmospheric pressure by the electrospray method, which is well known to those skilled in the art. In this case, the capillary 40 emits a spray containing primarily gas, (charged or uncharged) droplets, and ions of one or more analytes of interest at substantially atmospheric pressure.For the purposes of the present disclosure, atmospheric pressure is defined as a pressure of at least about 10. 3 Pascal, such as the actual ambient pressure in the order of 10 5Pascal. The spray emerging from capillary 40 is then propelled toward the inwardly curved surface 13 of concave ion deflector 10. Concave ion deflector 10 itself can be operated at a pressure of approximately 6 mbar. As the ions contained in the spray approach and enter concave ion deflector 10, they interact with the RF field within concave ion deflector 10, preventing them from maintaining their original trajectory determined by the emission from capillary 40.The other components of the spray that are not retained by the electric fields prevailing in the concave ion deflector 10 continue to move towards the inwardly curved surface 13 of the concave ion deflector 10 and pass through the gaps between the U-shaped electrodes 11 or collide with the U-shaped electrodes 11 or with other parts of the concave ion deflector 10.

[0081] The capillary 40 extends partially (outlet first) into a tubular shield 30 located directly in front of the opening of the concave ion deflector 10, through which the directed gas stream containing ions emanating from the capillary 40 enters the concave ion deflector 10. Both the tubular shield 30 and the capillary 40 are located entirely outside the concave ion deflector 10. Due to the extension of the capillary 40 and in particular its outlet into the tubular shield 30, the ions coming from the capillary 40 are additionally shielded from any interference fields that may occur in front of the concave ion deflector 10 on their way to the concave ion deflector 10.

[0082] The concave ion deflector 10 includes a repulsion electrode 12 at one end thereof. A DC voltage can be applied to the repulsion electrode 12, creating a DC current gradient along the concave ion deflector 10, by which the ions entering the concave ion deflector 10 are guided along an ion guidance path in a downstream direction along the concave ion deflector 10 to the other end of the concave ion deflector 10.

[0083] The electrospray process was used in connection with Fig. 1A is merely an example and is briefly outlined very schematically. Practitioners in the field will appreciate that a multitude of different embodiments of capillaries for electrospray ionization are available to them, from which they can select the most practical one. Implementations may also include those that operate with additional lateral streams of heated gas to increase the desolvation capacity of the capillary. Furthermore, ion sources are in any case not intended to be limited to those that operate according to the electrospray principle. It is also possible to use other means for ionizing a sample. An example would be an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source, which ionizes gaseous neutral molecules formed from a liquid by nebulization through charge-transfer reactions with certain reagent ions, as is well known to one skilled in the art.

[0084] Fig. 1B shows a plan view of Fig. 1A. From this top view, the spacing between the U-shaped electrodes 11 can be seen even more clearly. As mentioned above, the main purpose of these spacings is to allow the particles emerging from the capillary 40, which are not retained and not deflected downstream along an ion guide path by the electric fields prevailing in the concave ion deflector 10, to quickly and easily exit the concave ion deflector 10.

[0085] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary arrangement of the capillary 40, the tubular shield 30, the concave ion deflector 10, and a pump connection 50 in a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. From the schematic cross-sectional view according to Fig. In particular, it is readily apparent from Figure 2 that the capillary 40 is located outside the concave ion deflector 10. Furthermore, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown here, the tubular shield 30 does not extend into the concave ion deflector 10, but rather terminates in front of its opening, through which the ions and any other particles coming from the capillary 40 can enter the concave ion deflector 10. Furthermore, the pump port 50, located behind the concave ion deflector 10, allows those particles that pass through the inwardly curved surface 13 of the concave ion deflector 10 via the gaps between the concave electrodes to be quickly removed from the system.

[0086] Fig. Figure 3A illustrates in a cross-sectional view how a tubular shield 30, a capillary 40, and a concave ion deflector 10 of a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention can be embedded in a mass spectrometric setup. In the arrangement according to Fig. 3A, the capillary 40 extends partially within the tubular shield 30, but is surrounded by the corresponding shield 30 and other components of the mass spectrometric setup and is therefore not visible.

[0087] A manner in which a tubular shield 30, a capillary 40 and a concave ion deflector 10 of a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention can be embedded in a mass spectrometric setup is also described in Fig. 3B shown schematically. In the mass spectrometric setup according to Fig. 3B, the concave ion deflector 10 comprises an ion funnel 18, which is located downstream of the concave ion deflector 10 and serves to further guide and spatially confine the ions coming from the capillary 40. According to the embodiment of Fig. 3B, the ions are then transferred to a drift tube or TIMS tunnel 19 connected to the ion funnel 18 to separate the ions according to their ion mobility, wherein after leaving the drift tube or TIMS tunnel 19, the ions are transferred to the mass analyzer of the mass spectrometric setup via another ion funnel 20.

[0088] The Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C show from different perspectives an example of several U-shaped electrodes 11 aligned along a common axis, ( Fig. 4A: Oblique view, Fig. 4B: Rear view, Fig. 4C: Side view). According to the Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C, the U-shaped electrodes 11 are arranged in a holder 60, by which the U-shaped electrodes 11 are kept aligned.

[0089] The Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B and Fig. 5C show from different perspectives another example of several U-shaped electrodes 11 aligned along a common axis, ( Fig. 5A: Oblique view, Fig. 5B: Rear view, Fig. 5C: Side view). Through the circular holes in the Fig. 5, the overlapping electrode area of adjacent electrodes is minimized to reduce the load on the RF generator, resulting in a reduction in capacitance.

[0090] Fig. Figure 6A shows an example of a concave ion deflector 10 comprising an upstream ion tunnel 15 through which a directed gas stream containing ions, which is directed from the (in Fig. 6A not shown) and moves towards the (in the position shown in Fig. 6B shown oblique sectional view) inwardly curved surface 13, can enter. The ion tunnel 15 is formed by an extension of the concave electrodes 11, which vary in their cutout in such a way that the ion tunnel 15 is created. The inner region of the ion tunnel 15 has a drop shape 151 in the cross-sectional view (ie, in the view perpendicular to the direction of movement). Furthermore, according to the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 6A, the repulsion electrode 12 is extended over the entire length of the ion tunnel 15 so that a direct current field can be applied perpendicular to the direction of travel of the ion tunnel 15. The ions entering the concave ion deflector 10 through the ion tunnel 15 are pushed by the direct current field applied to the ion tunnel 15 to the narrow spot in the teardrop shape (i.e., into the constriction of the ion tunnel 15) while continuing to move toward the inwardly curved surface 13 of the concave ion deflector 10. A pseudopotential barrier, created by an RF voltage applied to the electrodes forming the ion tunnel 15, prevents the ions from striking the electrodes when they are focused within the constriction.The presence of the ion tunnel 15, through which the ions contained in a directed gas stream coming from the outlet 40 can enter the concave ion deflector 10, combined with the RF field applied to the ion tunnel 15, which prevents ions from being lost, allows lower DC gradients to be used, since the residence time in the concave ion deflector is longer than without such an ion tunnel 15. According to the . Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, the concave ion deflector 10 further comprises an ion tunnel 14 arranged downstream of the concave ion deflector 10, into which the ions coming from the exit (of the capillary) 40 are deflected and which further serves to guide and spatially confine the ions.

[0091] The Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B show a concave ion deflector 10, which also includes an upstream ion tunnel 15 through which a directed gas stream containing ions, which emanates from the outlet 40 and moves towards the inwardly curved surface 13, can enter the concave ion deflector 10. According to the Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B, the concave ion deflector 10 further comprises a downstream ion funnel 18 into which the ions coming from the exit (of the capillary) 40 are deflected and which further serves to guide and spatially confine the ions.

[0092] Fig. Figure 8A shows, in an oblique cross-sectional view, an example of a concave ion deflector 10 comprising an ion funnel 16 through which a directed gas stream containing ions, which is discharged from (in Fig. 8A not shown) and moving towards the inwardly curved surface 13, can enter the concave ion deflector 10. Fig. 8B shows a side view of Fig. 8A. In the Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B, the repulsion electrode 12 of the concave ion deflector 10 is not visible due to the chosen cutting direction through the concave ion deflector 10. The main difference between the Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B and the concave ion deflector 10 shown in the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B is that in the concave ion deflector according to the Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B, the extension of the concave electrodes 11 forms an ion funnel 16 whose inner diameter diverges in the downstream direction. The inner region of the ion funnel 16 also has a constriction 161 in the cross-sectional view (i.e., the view perpendicular to the direction of travel), in which ions entering the concave ion deflector 10 can be focused on their way to the inwardly curved surface 13 of the concave ion deflector 10.

[0093] Fig. Figure 9A schematically shows in a cross-sectional view a concave ion deflector 10 with an inwardly curved surface 13 comprising a protuberance 17. Fig. 9B illustrates schematically by the arrows visible therein how the Fig. 9A serves as a pseudo-beam interrupter to deflect a directed gas flow emanating from a capillary 40 to both sides of the protuberance 17.

[0094] The invention has been illustrated and described above with reference to several different embodiments thereof. However, one skilled in the art will understand that various aspects or details of the invention may be changed, or various aspects or details of different embodiments may be combined in any way that is practical without departing from the scope of the invention. In general, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims, taking into account any equivalents. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 4,963,736 A

[0006] US 6,891,153 B2

[0006] US 7,851,752 B2

[0007] US 8,698,075 B2 [0008, 0026] US 9,620,347 B2

[0010]

Claims

[1] Apparatus for an ion spectrometric system facilitating the transfer of ions, the apparatus comprising: a concave ion deflector, the concave ion deflector comprising: several conductive electrodes forming an inwardly curved surface, and a thrust element for deflecting ions; an RF voltage supply for applying an RF voltage to the concave ion deflector, in particular for applying an RF voltage to at least a subset of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector; and an outlet designed and arranged to discharge a directed gas stream containing ions; where the outlet and the concave ion deflector are arranged relative to each other such that the directed gas flow containing ions is directed towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector; the exit is located outside the concave ion deflector; and the concave ion deflector is designed and arranged to retain and deflect ions coming from the exit, while at the same time allowing other particles coming from the exit to pass through the inwardly curved surface. [2] Apparatus according to claim 1, additionally comprising a DC voltage supply for applying a DC voltage to the concave ion deflector, in particular for applying a DC voltage to at least a subset of the plurality of conductive electrodes and / or to the pusher element of the concave ion deflector. [3] Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pushing element comprises a repulsion electrode. [4] The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more electrodes of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are concave. [5] The device according to claim 4, wherein one or more electrodes of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are C-shaped, U-shaped and / or horseshoe-shaped electrodes. [6] The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are aligned along a common axis such that the electrodes form an ion guide path. [7] The apparatus of claim 6, wherein adjacent aligned electrodes of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are separated from each other by separation distances, and wherein one, several or all of the separation distances form flow paths through which particles coming from the exit can leave the concave ion deflector. [8] Apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the outlet and the concave ion deflector are arranged relative to each other such that the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet moves towards and / or enters the concave ion deflector at an angle of 35 to 145° with respect to the common axis along which the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are aligned. [9] The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the outlet and the concave ion deflector are arranged relative to each other such that the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the outlet moves toward and / or enters the concave ion deflector orthogonally with respect to the common axis along which the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector are aligned. [10] Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outlet is a capillary or a nozzle. [11] Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, additionally comprising a shield, wherein the shield at least partially surrounds the output. [12] Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the shield is located directly in front of the concave ion deflector and / or wherein the shield is in the shape of a tube and the outlet extends into the tube. [13] The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each electrode of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector is connected to an RF potential. [14] The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the RF potential at any one of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector connected to an RF potential is 180 degrees out of phase with the RF potential at an adjacent electrode. [15] Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, additionally comprising at least one pump connection. [16] The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the concave ion deflector is located between the output and the at least one pump port. [17] Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the concave ion deflector comprises at least one ion tunnel or ion funnel. [18] Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit enters the concave ion deflector via an ion tunnel or ion funnel, the ion tunnel or ion funnel being designed and arranged to focus the ions coming from the exit as the ions move towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector. [19] Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the ion tunnel or ion funnel comprises a constriction along its direction of travel in which the ions coming from the exit are guided and focused on their way towards the inwardly curved surface. [20] Apparatus according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the ion-containing directed gas stream emanating from the exit enters the concave ion deflector via an ion funnel having a gradually increasing inner diameter along its direction of travel. [21] Apparatus for an ion spectrometric system facilitating the transfer of ions, the apparatus comprising: a concave ion deflector, the concave ion deflector comprising: several conductive electrodes forming an inwardly curved surface, and a thrust element for deflecting ions; an RF voltage supply for applying an RF voltage to the concave ion deflector, in particular for applying an RF voltage to at least a subset of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector; and an outlet designed and arranged to discharge a directed gas stream containing ions; where the outlet is arranged so that an axis along which the ion-containing directed gas stream moves intersects the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector; the exit is located outside the concave ion deflector; and the concave ion deflector is designed and arranged to retain and deflect ions coming from the exit, while at the same time allowing other particles coming from the exit to pass through the inwardly curved surface. [22] A method for facilitating the transfer of ions in an ion spectrometric system, the method comprising the following steps: a) Providing a device comprising: a concave ion deflector, the concave ion deflector comprising: several conductive electrodes forming an inwardly curved surface, and a thrust element for deflecting ions; an RF voltage supply for applying an RF voltage to the concave ion deflector, in particular for applying an RF voltage to at least a subset of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the concave ion deflector; and an outlet located outside the concave ion deflector and designed and arranged to discharge a directed gas stream containing ions; b) Emitting a directed gas stream containing ions from the outlet and towards the inwardly curved surface of the concave ion deflector, c) Retaining and deflecting ions entering or approaching the concave ion deflector, while at the same time allowing other particles coming from the exit to pass through the inwardly curved surface.

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