Voltage control for ion mobility separation

Abstract

The device includes a first surface, a second surface, and a controller. The first surface and the second surface define a first ion channel therebetween. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes having a first electrode and a spaced apart second electrode, the first plurality of electrodes being configured to receive a first voltage signal and generate a pseudopotential that blocks ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The second plurality of electrodes are positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode and are configured to receive a second voltage signal and generate a first transport driving potential configured to guide ions along the first ion channel. The controller is configured to generate the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 850,823, entitled “Voltage Control for Ion Mobility Separation,” filed May 21, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and corresponding methods for voltage control of ion mobility separation, and more particularly to systems and methods that may include a segmented electrode arrangement and a pulsed or biased voltage signal (e.g., a pulsed current waveform or a periodic waveform without sign reversals) for guiding ions within the system. [Background technology]

[0003] Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a technique for separating and identifying ions in the gas phase based on their mobility. For example, IMS is utilized to separate structural isomers and macromolecules with different mobilities. IMS relies on the application of a constant or time-varying electric field to a mixture of ions in a static or dynamic background gas. Ions with higher mobility (or lower collision cross section [CCS]) move faster under the influence of the electric field compared to ions with lower mobility (or higher CCS). By applying an electric field across the separation distance of the IMS device (e.g., in a drift tube), the ions of the ion mixture are spatially separated based on their mobility. Ions with different mobilities arrive at the end of the drift tube at different times (temporal separation), so the ions are identified based on their detection time by a detector at the end of the drift tube. The resolution of the mobility separation is altered by changing the separation distance.

[0004] Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique that can separate a mixture of chemical species based on their mass-to-charge ratio. MS involves ionizing the mixture of chemical species and then accelerating the ion mixture in the presence of an electric and / or magnetic field. In some mass spectrometers, ions with the same mass-to-charge ratio undergo the same deflection. Ions with different mass-to-charge ratios can undergo different deflections and are identified based on the spatial location of detection by a detector (e.g., an electron multiplier). Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and corresponding method for voltage control of ion mobility separation.

[0006] The device includes a first surface, a second surface, and a controller. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface. The first surface and the second surface define a first ion channel therebetween. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first plurality of electrodes extends along the first direction. The first electrode is configured to receive a first voltage signal and generate at least a portion of a pseudopotential that blocks ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The second plurality of electrodes is located between the first electrode and the second electrode and is disposed along the first direction. The second plurality of electrodes is configured to receive a second voltage signal and generate a first transfer drive potential that transfers along the first direction. The first transfer drive potential is configured to guide ions along the first ion channel. The device further includes a controller electrically coupled to the first surface and the second surface, the controller configured to generate a first voltage signal and a second voltage signal.

[0007] In one embodiment, the second electrode is configured to receive a third voltage signal and generate at least a second portion of the pseudopotential. In another embodiment, the first voltage signal is a first radio frequency (RF) signal, the third voltage signal is a second RF voltage signal, and a phase difference between the first RF voltage signal and the second RF voltage signal has a value in a range of about 0° to about 180°. In yet another embodiment, the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate the first RF voltage signal and a second RF control circuit configured to generate the second RF voltage signal.

[0008] In one embodiment, the controller includes a master control circuit communicatively coupled to the first RF control circuit and the second RF control circuit. The master control circuit is configured to determine one or more of an amplitude and / or frequency of the first RF voltage signal, an amplitude and / or frequency of the second RF voltage signal, and a phase difference between the first RF voltage signal and the second RF voltage signal. The controller is further configured to provide one or more RF control signals to the first RF control circuit and the second RF control circuit. The one or more RF control signals indicate one or more of an amplitude and / or frequency of the first RF voltage signal, an amplitude and / or frequency of the second RF voltage signal, and a phase difference between the first RF voltage signal and the second RF voltage signal.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second voltage signal is a predetermined voltage / current waveform, and the controller includes a plurality of traveling wave control circuits configured to generate a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals. The predetermined voltage / current waveform includes a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals. In another embodiment, the predetermined voltage / current waveform is a pulse voltage waveform including one or more of a sawtooth voltage / current waveform, a rectangular voltage / current waveform, and a biased AC waveform or a biased sinusoidal voltage / current waveform. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined voltage / current waveform is a periodic waveform without sign reversal, which does not reverse the direction of current flow but still exhibits a time-varying applied potential. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of traveling wave control circuits includes one or more of a plurality of alternating current (AC) control circuits and a plurality of direct current control circuits.

[0010] In one embodiment, the master control circuit is configured to determine one or more of the amplitude and / or frequency of the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals and a phase difference between one or more traveling wave voltage signals of the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals. The master control circuit is further configured to provide one or more traveling wave control signals to the plurality of traveling wave control circuits. The one or more traveling wave control signals indicate one or more of the amplitude and / or frequency of the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals and a phase difference between one or more traveling wave voltage signals of the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals.

[0011] In one embodiment, the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate a first voltage signal and a first direct current (DC) control circuit configured to generate a first DC voltage signal. The first voltage signal is a first RF voltage signal, and the second electrode is configured to receive the first DC voltage signal. In another embodiment, the first plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode adjacent to the second electrode and extending along the first direction. The third electrode is configured to receive the first voltage signal and generate a second portion of the pseudopotential.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first surface and the second surface define a second ion channel therebetween. The second ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a third plurality of electrodes located between the second electrode and a third electrode. The third plurality of electrodes is configured to receive a fourth voltage signal and generate a second transport drive potential that moves parallel to the first direction, the second transport drive potential configured to guide ions along the second ion channel. The first ion channel is located between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second ion channel is located between the second electrode and the third electrode. In another embodiment, the third plurality of electrodes includes a switch electrode configured to receive a switch voltage signal from a switch control circuit and generate a gate potential, the gate potential configured to guide ions from the second ion channel to the first ion channel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the controller includes a master control circuit communicatively coupled to the switch control circuit. The master control circuit is configured to determine a time period during which the switch electrodes are configured to generate a gate potential. The master control circuit is further configured to provide a switch control signal to the plurality of switch control circuits. The switch control circuit is configured to generate a switch voltage signal during the determined time period based on the switch control signal. In another embodiment, the controller is electrically coupled to a power source and configured to receive a power source signal. In yet another embodiment, a second electrode of the first plurality of electrodes is electrically coupled to a ground potential.

[0014] In one embodiment, the controller includes a second DC control circuit configured to generate a bias DC voltage signal. At least one electrode of the first surface is configured to receive the bias DC voltage signal. In another embodiment, the first surface is coupled to one or more of: (a) a first ion manipulation device characterized by a first ion manipulation device potential, the first surface configured to receive ions from the first ion manipulation device; and (b) a second ion manipulation device characterized by a second ion manipulation device potential, the first surface configured to transport ions to the second ion manipulation device. The bias DC voltage signal is less than the first ion manipulation device potential and / or the bias DC voltage signal is greater than the second ion manipulation device potential. In yet another embodiment, the first surface is coupled to an ion source characterized by an ion source potential at a first end of the first surface and to an ion detector characterized by an ion detector potential at a second end of the first surface. The bias DC voltage signal is greater than the ion detector potential and less than the ion source potential.

[0015] The method includes providing a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the first surface. The first surface and the second surface define a first ion channel therebetween. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first plurality of electrodes extends along the first direction. The second surface further includes a second plurality of electrodes located between the first electrode and the second electrode and disposed along the first direction. The method further includes providing ions along the first ion channel. The method further includes applying, by a controller, a first voltage signal to the first electrode. The first electrode is configured to generate at least a portion of a pseudopotential that blocks ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The method further includes applying, by the controller, a second voltage signal to the second electrode. The second electrode is configured to generate a first transport drive potential that moves along a first direction, the first transport drive potential configured to guide ions along the first ion channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes applying, by the controller, a third voltage signal to the second electrode. The second electrode is configured to generate at least a second portion of the pseudopotential. In another embodiment, the first voltage signal is a first radio frequency (RF) signal, the third voltage signal is a second RF voltage signal, and a phase difference between the first RF voltage signal and the second RF voltage signal has a value in a range of about 0° to about 180°. In yet another embodiment, the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate the first RF voltage signal and a second RF control circuit configured to generate the second RF voltage signal.

[0017] The device includes a first surface, a second surface, and a controller. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface. The first surface and the second surface define a first ion channel therebetween. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode along the first direction. The first plurality of electrodes are disposed along the first direction. The first electrode is configured to receive a first RF voltage signal, and the second electrode is configured to receive a second RF voltage signal. The second surface includes a second plurality of electrodes spaced apart from the first plurality of electrodes along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed along the first direction adjacent to the third electrode. The third electrode is configured to receive the second RF voltage signal, and the fourth electrode is configured to receive the first RF voltage signal. The first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode are configured to generate a portion of a pseudopotential that blocks ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The device further includes a controller electrically coupled to the first surface and the second surface. The controller is configured to generate a first RF voltage signal having a first phase and to generate a second RF voltage signal having a second phase. The controller sets a first phase difference between the first phase and the second phase to a first predetermined value.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first plurality of electrodes includes a fifth electrode adjacent to the second electrode along the first direction, and the second plurality of electrodes includes a sixth electrode adjacent to the fourth electrode along the first direction. The controller is configured to generate a third RF voltage signal having a third phase. The controller sets a second phase difference between the second phase and the third phase to another predetermined value (or the first predetermined value). In another embodiment, the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are configured to generate a transport drive potential that transports along the first direction. The first transport drive potential is configured to guide ions along the first ion channel.

[0019] In one embodiment, the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate a first RF voltage signal and a second RF control circuit configured to generate a second RF voltage signal. In one embodiment, the controller includes a master control circuit communicatively coupled to the first RF control circuit and the second RF control circuit. The master control circuit is configured to determine one or more of an amplitude and / or frequency of the first RF voltage signal, an amplitude and / or frequency of the second RF voltage signal, and a first predetermined value. The master control circuit is further configured to provide one or more control signals to the first RF control circuit and the second RF control circuit. The control signals indicate one or more of an amplitude and / or frequency of the first RF voltage signal, an amplitude and / or frequency of the second RF voltage signal, and a first predetermined value.

[0020] In one embodiment, the velocity of the transport driving potential along the first ion channel is based on the frequency of the first RF voltage signal and / or the second RF voltage signal. In one embodiment, the spatial frequency of the transport driving potential along the first ion channel is based on a first predetermined value. In one embodiment, the first electrode is adjacent to the third electrode along the second direction, and the second electrode is adjacent to the fourth electrode along the second direction. In one embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode are spatially displaced from the third electrode and the fourth electrode along the first direction.

[0021] In one embodiment, the device further includes a third plurality of electrodes located between the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes. The third plurality of electrodes is arranged along a first direction. The third plurality of electrodes is configured to receive a third voltage signal and generate a first transport drive potential that moves along the first direction, the first transport drive potential configured to guide ions along the first ion channel. In one embodiment, the third voltage signal is a predetermined voltage / current waveform, and the controller includes a plurality of traveling wave control circuits configured to generate a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals. The predetermined voltage / current waveform includes a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals.

[0022] In one embodiment, the predetermined voltage / current waveform is a pulse voltage / current waveform including one or more of a sawtooth voltage / current waveform, a rectangular voltage / current waveform, and a biased AC waveform or a biased sinusoidal voltage / current waveform. In one embodiment, the multiple traveling wave control circuits include one or more of a multiple alternating current (AC) control circuits and a multiple direct current control circuits. In one embodiment, the controller includes a master control circuit communicatively coupled to the multiple traveling wave control circuits. The master control circuit is configured to determine one or more of an amplitude and / or frequency of the multiple traveling wave voltage signals and a phase difference between one or more traveling wave voltage signals of the multiple traveling wave voltage signals. The master control circuit is further configured to provide one or more traveling wave control signals to the multiple traveling wave control circuits. The one or more traveling wave control signals indicate one or more of an amplitude and / or frequency of the multiple traveling wave voltage signals and a phase difference between one or more traveling wave voltage signals of the multiple traveling wave voltage signals. In one embodiment, the controller includes a first direct current (DC) control circuit configured to generate a first DC voltage signal, and the third plurality of electrodes are configured to receive the first DC voltage signal.

[0023] In one embodiment, the controller includes a second DC control circuit configured to generate a bias DC voltage signal. At least one electrode of each (or any one) of the first surface and the second surface is configured to receive the bias DC voltage signal. In one embodiment, the first surface is coupled to one or more of: (a) a first ion manipulation device characterized by a first ion manipulation device potential, the first surface configured to receive ions from the first ion manipulation device; and (b) a second ion manipulation device characterized by a second ion manipulation device potential, the first surface configured to transport ions to the second ion manipulation device. The bias DC voltage signal is less than the first ion manipulation device potential and / or the bias DC voltage signal is greater than the second ion manipulation device potential. In one embodiment, the first surface is coupled to an ion source characterized by an ion source potential at a first end of the first surface and to an ion detector characterized by an ion detector potential at a second end of the first surface, the bias DC voltage signal being greater than the ion detector potential and less than the ion source potential.

[0024] The device includes a first surface, a second surface, and a controller. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface. The first surface and the second surface define a first ion channel therebetween. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode along the first direction, the first plurality of electrodes being disposed along the first direction. The first electrode is configured to receive a first RF voltage signal, and the second electrode is configured to receive a DC voltage signal. The second surface includes a second plurality of electrodes spaced apart from the first plurality of electrodes along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed along the first direction adjacent to the third electrode. The third electrode is configured to receive a second RF voltage signal, and the fourth electrode is configured to receive a DC voltage signal. The first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode are configured to generate a portion of a pseudopotential that blocks ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The device further includes a controller electrically coupled to the first surface and the second surface. The controller is configured to generate a first RF voltage signal and a DC voltage signal having a first phase.

[0025] The device includes a first surface, a second surface, and a controller. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface. The first surface and the second surface define a first ion channel therebetween. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode along the first direction, the first plurality of electrodes being disposed along the first direction. The first electrode is configured to receive a first RF voltage signal, and the second electrode is configured to receive a second RF voltage signal. The second surface includes a second plurality of electrodes spaced apart from the first plurality of electrodes along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed along the first direction adjacent to the third electrode. The third electrode is configured to receive the first RF voltage signal, and the fourth electrode is configured to receive the second RF voltage signal. The first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode are configured to generate a portion of a pseudopotential that blocks ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface. The first electrode is aligned with the third electrode along a second direction, and the second electrode is aligned with the fourth electrode along the second direction. The device further includes a controller electrically coupled to the first surface and the second surface. The controller is configured to generate a first RF voltage signal having a first phase and generate a second voltage signal having a second phase. The first phase difference between the first phase and the second phase is set (e.g., by the controller) to a first predetermined value.

[0026] The method includes providing a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the first surface. The first surface and the second surface define a first ion channel therebetween. The first ion channel extends along a first direction. The second surface includes a first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode along the first direction. The first plurality of electrodes are disposed along the first direction. The second surface further includes a second plurality of electrodes spaced apart from the first plurality of electrodes along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed along the first direction adjacent to the third electrode. The method further includes providing ions along the first ion channel. The method further includes applying, by a controller, a first RF voltage signal to the first electrode and the fourth electrode and a second RF voltage signal to the second electrode and the third electrode. The first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode are configured to generate a portion of a pseudopotential that blocks ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first and second plurality of electrodes are configured to generate a transport drive potential that moves along a first direction. The first transport drive potential is configured to guide ions along the first ion channel. In one embodiment, the second surface further comprises a third plurality of electrodes located between the first and second plurality of electrodes and disposed along the first direction. In one embodiment, the method further comprises applying a third voltage signal to the third plurality of electrodes by the plurality of traveling wave control circuits. The third plurality of electrodes is configured to generate a first transport drive potential that moves along the first direction. The first transport drive potential is configured to guide ions along the first ion channel. In one embodiment, the third voltage signal is a predetermined voltage / current waveform, and the plurality of traveling wave control circuits are configured to generate a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals. The predetermined voltage / current waveform comprises a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals.

[0028] These and other configurations will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary ion mobility separation (IMS) system. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a SLIM device of the IMS system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3A-3C show exemplary arrangements of electrodes on the surface of the SLIM device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary method of actuation of electrodes on the surface of a SLIM device. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 illustrates a second exemplary method of actuation of electrodes on the surface of a SLIM device. [Figure 4C] FIG. 13 illustrates a third exemplary method of actuation of electrodes on the surface of a SLIM device. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method of operation of a SLIM device having multiple ion channels. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary connection between the ion channels of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary transport voltage signal applied to electrodes of a SLIM device that can drive ions in the SLIM device. [Figure 7] 2 shows an example plot of bias voltages applied to various components of the IMS system of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary SLIM device with segmented electrodes for generating pseudopotentials. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary SLIM device with segmented electrodes for generating both pseudopotentials and driving voltages. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Certain illustrative embodiments are described herein to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein.

[0031] Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a commonly used technique that detects and analyzes ions based on their mobility. For example, IMS is used to detect biomarkers (such as proteins) that allow for the detection of disease signs. Ion detection using IMS can be desirable to be accurate (e.g., low false positives), sensitive (e.g., able to detect low concentrations of biomarkers), have high throughput (e.g., fast detection speed), and have high resolution (e.g., differential detection of ions with similar mobilities). Structure for lossless ion manipulation (SLIM) technology can provide devices and methods for improved IMS detection. For example, SLIM technology can provide significant control of the spatial and / or temporal distribution of electrical potential, which can allow for improved control of the ion separation process. The present application describes systems and methods of voltage control of SLIM devices that can lead to improved throughput and efficiency (e.g., reduced power consumption) of SLIM devices.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary ion mobility separation (IMS) system 100. The IMS system 100 includes an ion source 102 that can generate ions (e.g., ions having various mobilities and mass-to-charge ratios) and inject the ions into a SLIM device 104. This can be done at multiple time instances (e.g., periodically). The SLIM device 104 can include one or more surfaces (e.g., made of printed circuit board material) that can include electrodes disposed on the surface. The electrodes can receive a voltage signal / voltage waveform / current waveform (e.g., DC voltage / current, RF voltage / current, AC voltage / current, or a superposition thereof) or can generate a potential (e.g., a potential gradient) to confine the ions within the SLIM device and guide the ions through the SLIM device 104 (which can result in separation of the ions based on their mobility). A mass spectrometer 106 can receive the ions from the SLIM device 104 and perform mass analysis on the received ions.

[0033] The controller 108 can control the manner in which one or more of the ion source 102, the SLIM device 104, and the mass spectrometer 106 are operated. The controller 108 can receive power from a power supply 150 (e.g., a DC power supply that provides a DC voltage to the controller 108). The controller 108 can include multiple power supply modules (e.g., current / voltage supply circuits) that generate various voltage (or current) signals that drive the electrodes in the SLIM device 104. For example, the controller 108 can include an RF control circuit that generates an RF voltage signal, a traveling wave control circuit that generates a traveling wave voltage signal, a DC control circuit that generates a DC voltage signal, etc. The controller 108 can also include a master control circuit that can control the manner in which the RF / traveling wave / DC control circuits are operated. For example, the master control circuit can control the amplitude and / or phase of the voltage (or current) signal generated by the RF / traveling wave / DC control circuit to achieve a desired manner of operation of the SLIM device 104.

[0034] In some implementations, the SLIM device 104 can generate a moving voltage / current waveform (resulting from potentials generated by multiple electrodes of the SLIM device 104) capable of performing mobility-based separation. The voltage / current waveform can move through the SLIM device 104 at a predetermined velocity, for example, based on the frequency of the voltage signal applied to the electrodes of the SLIM device 104. In some implementations, the moving voltage / current waveform can be spatially periodic, and the spatial periodicity can depend on the phase difference between voltage signals applied to adjacent electrode pairs (e.g., along the direction of propagation of ions within the SLIM device 104). In some implementations, the phase difference can determine the direction of propagation of the voltage / current waveform. The master control circuit can control the frequency and / or phase of the voltage output of the RF / traveling wave control circuit such that the moving voltage / current waveform has a desired (e.g., predetermined) spatial periodicity and / or velocity.

[0035] In some implementations, the controller 108 is communicatively coupled to the computing device 160. For example, the computing device 160 can provide operational parameters of the SLIM device 104 via control signals to the master control circuitry. In some implementations, a user can provide the operational parameters to the computing device 160 (e.g., via a user interface). Based on the operational parameters received via the control signals, the master control circuitry can control how the RF / AC / DC control circuits operate, which can determine how the SLIM device 104 operates. In some implementations, the RF / AC / DC control circuits can be physically distributed in the IMS system 100. For example, one or more of the RF / AC / DC control circuits can be located in the SLIM device 104.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a SLIM device 104. The SLIM device 104 can include a first surface 103 and a second surface 105. The first surface and the second surface are arranged (e.g., parallel to each other) to define one or more ion channels therebetween. The first surface 103 and the second surface 105 can include electrodes (e.g., arranged as an array of electrodes on the surfaces facing the ion channels). The electrodes on the first surface 103 and the second surface 105 are electrically coupled to the controller 108 and configured to receive a voltage signal / voltage waveform. In some implementations, the first surface 103 and the second surface 105 can include a backplane including a plurality of conductive channels that enable electrical coupling between the controller 108 and the electrodes on the first surface 103 and the second surface 105. In some implementations, the number of conductive channels can be less than the number of electrodes. In other words, the multiple electrodes are coupled to a single electrical channel. As a result, a given voltage (or current) signal is sent to the multiple electrodes simultaneously. Based on the received voltage signal, the electrodes can generate one or more electrical potentials (e.g., a superposition of various electrical potentials) that can confine, drive, manipulate, and / or separate ions along the axis of propagation (e.g., the z-axis).

[0037] The controller 108 can include one or more RF control circuits, DC control circuits, and traveling wave control circuits. In some implementations, a first RF control circuit can provide an RF voltage signal to one or more electrodes coupled to the first surface 103, and a second RF control circuit can provide an RF voltage signal to one or more electrodes coupled to the second surface 105. Having multiple RF control circuits (e.g., separate control circuits for different surfaces) can be desirable because the RF power required to operate the SLIM device 104 can be distributed across multiple RF control circuits (can receive power from multiple sources).

[0038] As described above, the first surface 103 and the second surface 105 can include a plurality of electrodes. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary arrangement of electrodes on the first surface 103. The electrode arrangement on the first surface 103 is described below, but the second surface 105 can include electrodes having a similar electrode arrangement. The first surface 103 includes a first plurality of electrodes 120 and 125 that can receive a voltage signal (or be coupled to a ground potential) and generate a pseudopotential that can prevent / block ions from approaching the first surface 103. The first plurality of electrodes 120 and 125 can be rectangular, with the long side of the rectangle being arranged along the propagation direction ("propagation axis") of the ions to be mobility separated. For example, in FIG. 3, the propagation axis is parallel to the z-axis. The first plurality of electrodes are separated from each other along a lateral direction (e.g., along the y-axis). For example, the lateral direction can be perpendicular to the propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis).

[0039] The first surface 103 can include a second plurality of electrodes 130 located between the electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes (e.g., the space between the first plurality of electrodes 120 and 125). The second plurality of electrodes 130 can include a plurality of electrodes segmented / arranged along (or parallel to) the propagation axis. The second plurality of electrodes 130 can receive a second voltage signal and generate a driving potential capable of driving the ions along the propagation axis. The driving potential can result in separation of the ions based on their mobility as they move along the propagation axis.

[0040] The first surface may include a guard electrode 110 located adjacent to the outermost of the first / second plurality of electrodes. For example, the guard electrode 110 is located at an edge of the first surface 103 along the lateral direction. The guard electrode 110 may receive a voltage signal (e.g., a DC voltage signal from a DC control circuit) to generate a guard potential that may confine ions in an ion channel between the guard electrodes along the lateral direction. Depending on the voltage signal applied to the guard electrode 110, the guard electrode may also manipulate the movement of ions between the first surface and the second surface.

[0041] The first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, and the guard electrode are coupled to one or more voltage control circuits (e.g., voltage control circuits in the controller 108). In some implementations, the first plurality of electrodes 120 and 125 can receive radio frequency (RF) signals that are phase shifted from one another. In some implementations, the master control circuit can control the operation of the two RF control circuits to generate two RF voltage signals that are phase shifted from one another. FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary operation of a SLIM device in which adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes receive RF voltage signals that are 180° phase shifted. The electrode 120 is electrically coupled to the first RF control circuit and the electrode 125 is coupled to the second RF control circuit. The first RF control circuit and the second RF control circuit can generate RF voltage signals that are phase shifted from one another. For example, the phase shift between the RF voltage signals generated by the first RF control circuit and the second RF control circuit can be from 0° to 180° (e.g., 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, 150°, 165°, 180°, etc.) The phase shift is determined by a master control circuit, which can control how the RF control circuits operate.

[0042] In some implementations, adjacent electrodes 120 and 125 can receive RF voltage signals having the same phase (e.g., zero phase shift). FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary method of operation of a SLIM device in which adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes receive RF voltage signals having the same phase. For example, electrodes 120 and 125 are electrically coupled to the same RF control circuit. Alternatively, electrodes 120 and 125 are electrically coupled to different RF control circuits configured to generate phase-synchronized RF voltage signals by a master control circuit. In some implementations, electrode 120 (or electrode 125) can receive an RF voltage signal and adjacent electrode 125 (or electrode 120) can receive a DC potential or a ground potential (e.g., from a DC control circuit). FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary method of operation of a SLIM device in which adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes (e.g., electrodes separated by a space in which the second plurality of electrodes reside) receive an RF voltage signal and a DC voltage signal (or a ground potential).

[0043] The first plurality of electrodes can generate a pseudopotential that can prevent ions from approaching the first surface. Having a single RF control circuit (e.g., receiving power for a single power source) to generate the pseudopotential can reduce the complexity and / or cost of the SLIM technology. For example, RF control circuits / RF voltage sources can be expensive, and it can be desirable to have a smaller number of RF control circuits / RF voltage sources electrically coupled to the SLIM device. A SLIM device configured to couple to a single RF control circuit can have a simpler architecture compared to devices that require at least two phases of RF. In some implementations, this simplicity is due to a simpler RF control circuit that can utilize a single tap RF coil and reduces the number of readback components, electrical cables, and vacuum feedthrough connectors required to pass signals into the vacuum chamber. Such simplification can reduce costs and / or make the SLIM device more robust (e.g., as a result of fewer potential failure points due to fewer system components).

[0044] In some implementations, multiple ion channels separated laterally (e.g., along the y-axis) can be generated by applying DC voltage signals of the same polarity as the ions to be analyzed (relative to an RF reference potential) to alternating electrodes (e.g., electrode 125 or electrode 120) of the first plurality of electrodes. FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary method of operation of a SLIM device having multiple ion channels. Electrodes 120 receive RF voltage signals (e.g., RF voltages having the same phase), and electrodes 125 located between electrodes 120 receive DC voltage signals to generate a repulsive potential that can generate separate ion channels 502 and 504 extending along the propagation axis. For example, ion channel 502 can be located between adjacent electrodes 120 and 125, and ion channel 504 can be located between adjacent electrodes 125 and 120.

[0045] In some implementations, multiple ion channels can improve the throughput of the SLIM device. For example, ion channels 502 and 504 can perform separate ion mobility separations (e.g., simultaneously). This is done, for example, by providing a first ion packet to ion channel 502 and a second ion packet to ion channel 504 and applying a transfer voltage signal to the multiple electrodes 130a and 130b. In some implementations, a predetermined transfer signal is applied to both multiple electrodes 130a and 130b. In some implementations, different transfer voltage signals are applied to multiple electrodes 130a and 130b. This can result in different ion separation processes in the two channels (e.g., different ions are selected in the two channels at the output). Such multi-channel SLIM configurations are used to expand the range of m / z (mass-to-charge ratio) or mobility of analytes that can be simultaneously passed through the device. For example, high mobility ions are transported in one channel with a high traveling wave velocity and low mobility ions are transported in the adjacent channel with a low traveling wave velocity. In this way, multiple IMS separations are achieved in parallel.

[0046] FIG. 5B shows an exemplary coupling of ion channels 502 and 504. The directionality of the traveling wave signal in each set of electrodes is indicated by arrows 1 to n. The coupling of ion channels 502 and 504 is achieved by including a switch electrode 132a in the plurality of electrodes 130a. The switch electrode 132a can be in the path of ions moving along the ion channel 502 and can generate a gate potential that can direct ions in the ion channel 502 to the ion channel 504 when switched on. When switched off, ions in the ion channel 502 can continue to move along the propagation axis (+z-axis or -z-axis). The switch electrode 132a is electrically coupled to a switch control circuit (e.g., a DC control circuit, an AC control circuit, etc.). The switch control circuit can apply a DC voltage signal (e.g., at regular intervals) to the switch electrode 132a. The master control circuit can control how the switch control circuit operates. For example, the master control circuit can determine a time instance ("switch time") at which the switch electrode 132a is switched (e.g., from on to off or off to on). The switch time can be based on the time an ion packet is introduced into the SLIM device, the velocity of the ion packet in the SLIM device, etc. In some implementations, the plurality of electrodes 130b can include a second switch electrode 132b that can direct ions in the ion channel 504 to the ion channel 502 when switched on. When switched off, ions in the ion channel 502 can continue to move along the propagation axis (+z-axis or -z-axis). In some implementations, the switch electrodes are periodically positioned within the plurality of electrodes 130a (and / or 130b). For example, (n+1) th Every other electrode can be a switch electrode.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary moving voltage signal applied to the second plurality of electrodes 130, including electrodes 141-148 in a repeating pattern (e.g., receiving a similar moving voltage signal every eight electrodes). The exemplary voltage waveform in FIG. 6 is a sinusoidal waveform (e.g., an AC voltage waveform). In FIG. 6, the electrodes 141-148 can receive a voltage signal whose amplitude is determined based on a voltage waveform (e.g., a sinusoidal waveform, a square waveform, a sawtooth waveform, a biased sinusoidal waveform, etc.). For example, if a single wavelength of an AC waveform / sinusoidal voltage waveform is distributed across eight electrodes (141-148), the voltage amplitude applied to the eight electrodes is determined by selecting a value from the AC waveform / sinusoidal voltage waveform for a phase shift corresponding to the total number of electrodes associated with the single wavelength. For example, the phase shift between adjacent electrodes of electrodes 141-148 is 45° (360° [corresponding to a single wavelength]÷8). This is accomplished by electrically coupling the electrodes 141-148 to different traveling wave control circuits (e.g., AC control circuits, pulse current control circuits, etc.) that generate voltage signals that are phase shifted with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the voltage / current waveforms can take on various pulse shapes (e.g., square, triangular, rectangular, sawtooth, etc.), can be periodic, can be non-periodic, etc. For example, the traveling wave control circuit can include one or more DC control circuits that generate DC voltage signals and an AC control circuit that generates a sinusoidal signal. In some embodiments, the traveling wave control circuit can include one or more pulse current control circuits that can generate pulse voltage waveforms and / or pulse current waveforms (e.g., square, triangular, rectangular, sawtooth, etc.). The pulse current control circuit can include multiple outputs that are electrically coupled to multiple electrodes (e.g., electrodes 141-148). In some embodiments, the pulse current control circuit can apply multiple voltage signals (e.g., constituting a pulse waveform) to multiple electrodes simultaneously. Various pulse shapes of the voltage / current waveforms are created by superposition of DC voltage signals and sinusoidal signals. The master control circuit can determine the phase shift between the AC signals generated by the various traveling wave control circuits.The shape / periodicity of the traveling voltage signal can be based on a phase shift between the AC signals applied to adjacent electrodes. The master control signal can determine the amplitude of the DC voltage signal generated by the DC control circuit. The master control circuit can determine the amplitude and / or frequency of the AC signal generated by the traveling wave control circuit.

[0048] In some implementations, the frequency of the AC signal can determine the speed of the moving voltage / current waveform. An alternative approach to generate phase-shifted AC signals for moving voltage / current waveforms is the use of a multi-phase transformer. In this approach, the phase relationship between multiple voltage outputs can be controlled based on the coupling scheme of multiple secondary windings of the transformer. In this way, multiple phase-dependent outputs can be generated using only analog circuitry using one or more input drive voltage signals. An important difference between this approach and the digital generation method described above is that the phase dependence is entirely dependent on the physical wiring of the transformer and cannot be changed without physically changing the wiring. The phase relationship between digitally generated waveforms can be dynamically changed without changes in hardware.

[0049] As time progresses, the current / voltage waveform (e.g., AC waveform, sinusoidal voltage waveform, pulsed current / voltage waveform) can move (e.g., along the propagation direction). This results in a change in the amplitude of the voltage applied to the electrodes 141-148. For example, a voltage applied to a first electrode (e.g., electrode 141) during a first time step is applied to an adjacent electrode (e.g., electrode 142) during a next time step. The controller 108 can include one or more traveling wave control circuits capable of generating pulsed voltage / current waveforms, AC waveforms, etc. In some implementations, the controller can include one or more RF control circuits capable of generating RF voltage waveforms. The controller 108 can control the speed of movement of the AC / RF / pulsed voltage / current waveform. As the AC / pulsed current waveform / pulsed voltage waveform moves, ions are pushed along the propagation direction and separated based on their mobility.

[0050] In some implementations, the moving voltage signal can be a pulsed current waveform, or a periodic waveform without sign reversals that does not reverse the direction of current flow but still indicates a time-varying applied potential. For example, the moving voltage signal can be a biased sinusoidal waveform (e.g., a superposition of an AC voltage / current waveform and a DC current / voltage). In some implementations, it may be desirable to bias the SLIM device 104 to create a potential gradient that allows ions to flow from the ion source 102 to the SLIM device 104 and / or from the ion source 102 through the SLIM device 104 to the mass spectrometer 106 (or ion detector). Figure 7 shows an exemplary plot of voltages (e.g., applied bias voltages) associated with various components of the IMS system 100. The ion source 102 can have a higher voltage than the mass spectrometer 106 (which can include a quadrupole, a time-of-flight [TOF] reflectron, and a detector). The first and / or second surfaces of the SLIM device 104 are biased with a bias voltage (e.g., the first plurality of electrodes 120 and 125, the second plurality of electrodes 130, the guard electrode 110, etc.). The value of the bias voltage of the SLIM device can range between the voltage of the ion source 102 and the voltage of the mass spectrometer 106. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the value of the bias voltage of the SLIM device can be outside the range established by the ion source and mass spectrometer, for example, if a gas flow is used to carry the ions up a DC bias hill. As a result, the transfer voltage waveform in the SLIM device 104 can be a superposition of a sinusoidal AC voltage waveform and a DC voltage corresponding to the bias voltage of the SLIM device 104. The controller 108 can include a bias voltage source (e.g., a DC voltage source) that can apply a bias voltage signal to the SLIM device 104. In some embodiments, control circuitry within the controller 108 can determine the absolute voltage or magnitude of the bias voltage (e.g., based on user input, based on detection of voltages associated with the ion source 102 and the mass spectrometer 106, etc.).

[0051] 8 shows a surface 800 of a SLIM device with a further exemplary arrangement of electrodes. The surface 800 is included in the SLIM device 104 (e.g., in place of the first surface 103, the second surface 105, or both). The surface 800 includes a first plurality of electrodes 820 and 825 that are segmented along the propagation axis (e.g., along the z-axis). The first plurality of electrodes 820 are separated from the first plurality of electrodes 825 along a lateral direction (e.g., along the y-axis). For example, the lateral direction can be perpendicular to the propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis). The first plurality of electrodes 820 and 825 can receive RF and / or DC voltage signals (or be coupled to ground potential) and can generate pseudopotentials that can prevent / discourage ions from approaching the surface 800. In some implementations, a first electrode in the first plurality of electrodes 820 can receive a first RF voltage signal and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode (along the direction of propagation) can receive a second RF voltage signal (or a DC voltage signal / ground potential), and this arrangement is repeated along the direction of propagation.

[0052] In some implementations, all second electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes 820 (or electrodes 825) are coupled to a first set of RF control circuitry configured to generate a first RF voltage signal of a predetermined phase. For example, all second electrodes in the plurality of electrodes 820 (or electrodes 825) are electrically coupled to the same RF control circuitry. The remaining electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes 820 can receive a second RF voltage signal (phase shifted from the first RF voltage signal), a DC voltage signal, or a ground potential. For example, the remaining electrodes in the plurality of electrodes 820 are coupled to a second set of RF control circuitry configured to generate a second RF voltage signal (or a DC control circuitry configured to generate a DC voltage). In some implementations, the remaining electrodes in the plurality of electrodes 820 are electrically coupled to a predetermined RF control circuitry and / or DC control circuitry. In some implementations, the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes 820 that receive the first RF voltage signal are spatially displaced (e.g., along the propagation axis) from the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes 825 that receive the first RF voltage signal. This results in a checkerboard pattern of electrodes receiving a first RF voltage signal (labeled RF1 in FIG. 8) and a second voltage signal (labeled RF2 in FIG. 8). The second voltage signal can be a second RF voltage signal having a different phase from the first RF voltage signal, a DC voltage signal, or a ground potential. The master control circuit can control how the first set of RF control circuits and the second set of RF control circuits (or DC control circuits) operate. For example, the master control circuit can control the amplitude / frequency / phase of the RF voltage signals generated by the first set of control circuits and the second set of control circuits. For example, the phase difference between the first RF voltage signal and the second RF voltage signal is set to a predetermined value (e.g., based on a user input to the computing device 160).

[0053] A second plurality of electrodes 830a (or 830b), segmented along the propagation axis, is disposed in the space between the first plurality of electrodes 820 and the first plurality of electrodes 825. The second plurality of electrodes can receive a traveling voltage waveform and generate a driving potential capable of driving ions along the propagation axis. For example, the second plurality of electrodes can be electrically coupled to a plurality of traveling wave control circuits (e.g., as described in FIG. 6) to generate a traveling voltage waveform capable of causing mobility-based separation.

[0054] The surface 800 can include a guard electrode 810 located adjacent to the outermost of the first and second plurality of electrodes. For example, the guard electrode 810 is located at an edge of the surface 800 along the lateral direction. The guard electrode 810 can receive a voltage signal (e.g., a DC voltage signal from a DC control circuit) to generate a guard potential that can confine ions in an ion channel between the guard electrodes along the lateral direction.

[0055] FIG. 9 shows a surface 900 of a SLIM device with an exemplary arrangement of electrodes. The surface 900 is included in the SLIM device 104 (e.g., in place of the first surface 103, the second surface 105, or both). This embodiment of the SLIM surface can generate RF potentials to both prevent / block ions from approaching the surface and drive ions along the propagation axis (e.g., causing mobility-based separation). The surface 900 includes a first plurality of electrodes 920, a second plurality of electrodes 930, and a third plurality of electrodes 940 that are segmented along the propagation axis (e.g., along the z-axis). The first, second, and third plurality of electrodes 920 / 930 / 940 are separated from each other along a lateral direction (e.g., along the y-axis). For example, the lateral direction can be perpendicular to the propagation axis (e.g., the z-axis).

[0056] One or more of the first, second, and third plurality of electrodes 920-940 can receive an RF voltage signal and / or a DC voltage signal (or be coupled to ground potential) to generate a pseudopotential that can prevent / block ions from approaching the surface 900. In some implementations, a first electrode in the first plurality of electrodes 920 can receive a first RF voltage signal and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode (along the propagation direction) can receive a second RF voltage signal (or a DC voltage signal / ground potential). This arrangement of first and second electrodes is repeated along the propagation direction (e.g., as described in FIG. 8). For example, all the second electrodes are coupled to a first set of RF control circuitry configured to generate a first RF voltage signal of a predetermined phase, and the remaining electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes 920 are coupled to a second set of RF control circuitry configured to generate a second RF voltage signal (or a DC control circuitry configured to generate a DC voltage).

[0057] In some implementations, the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes 920 that receive the first RF voltage signal are spatially displaced (e.g., along the propagation axis) from the electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes 930 that receive the first RF voltage signal. Similarly, the electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes 930 that receive the first RF voltage signal are spatially displaced (e.g., along the propagation axis) from the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes 940 that receive the first RF voltage signal. This results in a checkerboard pattern of electrodes that receive a first RF voltage signal (labeled "RF1" in FIG. 9) and a second voltage signal (labeled RF2 in FIG. 9). The second voltage signal can be a second RF voltage signal that has a different phase from the first RF voltage signal, a DC voltage signal, or a ground potential. The master control circuit can control how the first set of RF control circuits and the second set of RF control circuits (or DC control circuits) operate.

[0058] In some implementations, the master control circuit can control the amplitude / frequency / phase of the RF voltage signals generated by the first set of control circuits and the second set of control circuits, for example, based on the phase difference between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of electrodes 920 / 930 / 940, a traveling RF wave can be generated that can drive ions along the propagation axis and cause mobility-based separation.

[0059] The alternating pattern of applying RF voltage to adjacent electrodes described above is exemplary. In other embodiments, the traveling RF voltage signal is repeated across the first / second / third plurality of electrodes along the propagation direction. For example, every nth electrode (n=2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.) can receive the same RF voltage signal. This can result in a sinusoidal waveform that constitutes the RF voltage signal applied to the multiple (e.g., periodic) electrodes of the first, second, and third plurality of electrodes. For example, having a third set of RF control circuits that applies a third RF voltage signal to every third electrode of the plurality of electrodes 920 / 930 / 940 creates a sinusoidal waveform that repeats every third electrode.

[0060] In some implementations, the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes 920 that receive the predetermined RF voltage signal are spatially displaced (e.g., along a propagation axis) from the electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes 930 that receive the predetermined RF voltage signal. Additionally or alternatively, the electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes 930 that receive the predetermined RF voltage signal are spatially displaced (e.g., along a propagation axis) from the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes 940 that receive the predetermined RF voltage signal. The master control circuit can control how the various RF control circuits operate to provide RF voltage signals to the various electrodes. For example, the master control circuit can control the amplitude / frequency / phase of the RF voltage signals generated by the various control circuits.

[0061] As well as the biased sine waveform, other time-varying signals such as biased square waveforms, biased sawtooth waveforms, and biased triangular waveforms are all suitable for driving ions into the device at biased elevated potential energies.

[0062] Other embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the disclosed subject matter. One or more examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices and methods described in detail herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the claims. The configurations shown or described in connection with an exemplary embodiment can be combined with the configurations of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, in this disclosure, like-named components of an embodiment generally have similar configurations, and therefore, within a particular embodiment, each configuration of the like-named components is not necessarily fully detailed.

[0063] The subject matter described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or computer software, firmware, or hardware, or combinations thereof, including the structural means disclosed herein and their structural equivalents. The subject matter described herein may be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., a machine-readable storage device) or embodied in a propagated signal for execution by or to control the operation of a data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, computer, or multiple computers). Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and may be arranged in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program may be stored within a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program, or in multiple cooperating files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, subprograms, or portions of code). A computer program may be deployed to execute on one computer or on multiple computers either at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0064] The processes and logic flows described herein, including method steps of the subject matter described herein, are performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions of the subject matter described herein by manipulating input data to generate output. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by, and apparatus of the subject matter described herein may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, such as, for example, an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0065] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, by way of example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor can receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory, or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions, and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, or is operatively linked to receive data from them, or transfer data to them, or both. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices), magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks), magneto-optical disks, and optical disks (such as CD and DVD disks). The processor and memory are supplemented by, or incorporated in, dedicated logic circuitry.

[0066] To provide interaction with a user, the subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with a user. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user is received in any form, including auditory, speech, or tactile input.

[0067] The techniques described herein are implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term "module" refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and / or various combinations thereof. At a minimum, however, a module should not be interpreted as software that is not implemented in hardware, firmware, or recorded in a non-transitory processor-readable, recordable storage medium (i.e., a module is not software itself). In fact, a "module" should always be interpreted to include at least some physical, non-transitory hardware, such as a processor or part of a computer. Two different modules may share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules may use the same processor and network interface). The modules described herein may be combined, integrated, separated, and / or replicated to support various applications. Also, functions described herein as being performed in a particular module may be performed in one or more other modules and / or by one or more other devices instead of or in addition to the functions performed in the particular module. Additionally, modules may be implemented across multiple devices and / or other components, local or remote from each other. Additionally, modules can be moved from one device and added to another device and / or can be included in both devices.

[0068] The subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computing system that includes back-end components (e.g., a data server), middleware components (e.g., an application server), or front-end components (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an embodiment of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communications network. Examples of communications networks include a local area network ("LAN") and a wide area network ("WAN"), e.g., the Internet.

[0069] Approximate expressions used throughout this specification and claims are applied to modify any quantitative expression that may vary within acceptable ranges without causing a change in the basic function to which it pertains. Thus, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as "about" and "substantially" are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, the approximation may correspond to the precision of the instrument for measuring the value. Herein, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged throughout this specification and claims, and such ranges are specified and include all subranges contained therein, unless otherwise indicated by context or language.

Claims

1. A device comprising: A first surface; a second surface adjacent to the first surface, the first surface and the second surface defining a first ion channel therebetween, the first ion channel extending along a first direction, the second surface comprising: a first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode along a second direction transverse to the first direction, the first plurality of electrodes extending along the first direction and configured to receive a first voltage signal to generate at least a portion of a pseudopotential that blocks ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface; a second surface including a second plurality of electrodes positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, arranged along the first direction and configured to receive a second voltage signal to generate a first transport drive potential for transport along the first direction, the first transport drive potential configured to guide ions along the first ion channel; a controller electrically coupled to the first surface and the second surface, the controller configured to generate a first voltage signal and a second voltage signal, the second voltage signal including a travel drive potential component and a static bias DC voltage component; The device comprising:

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second electrode is configured to receive a third voltage signal to generate at least a second portion of the pseudopotential.

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first voltage signal is a first radio frequency (RF) signal, the third voltage signal is a second RF voltage signal, and a phase difference between the first RF voltage signal and the second RF voltage signal has a value in a range from about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees.

4. the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate a first RF voltage signal; and a second RF control circuit configured to generate a second RF voltage signal. Item 4. The device according to item 3.

5. 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the second voltage signal is a pulsed current waveform, the controller includes a plurality of traveling wave control circuits configured to generate a plurality of traveling wave voltage signals, the amplitudes and phases of the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals being predetermined, and the pulsed current waveform includes the plurality of traveling wave voltage signals.

6. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the pulsed current waveform comprises one or more of a sawtooth current waveform, a rectangular current waveform, and a sinusoidal current waveform, wherein the one or more of the sawtooth current waveform, the rectangular current waveform, and the sinusoidal current waveform are biased by a static bias DC voltage component.

7. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of traveling wave control circuits includes one or more of a plurality of pulse current control circuits and a plurality of DC control circuits.

8. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate a first voltage signal and a first direct current (DC) control circuit configured to generate a first DC voltage signal, the first voltage signal being the first RF voltage signal, and the second electrode is configured to receive the first DC voltage signal.

9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first plurality of electrodes includes a third electrode adjacent the second electrode and extending along the first direction, the third electrode configured to receive the first voltage signal and generate a second portion of the pseudopotential.

10. The first surface and the second surface define a second ion channel therebetween, the second ion channel extending along a first direction, and the second surface comprising: a third plurality of electrodes positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode, the third plurality of electrodes configured to receive a fourth voltage signal and generate a second transport drive potential that moves parallel to the first direction, the second transport drive potential configured to guide ions along the second ion channel; 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first ion channel is located between the first electrode and the second electrode along the second direction, and the second ion channel is located between the second electrode and the third electrode along the second direction.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein a second electrode of the first plurality of electrodes is electrically coupled to a ground potential.

12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the controller includes a DC control circuit configured to generate a static bias DC voltage component.

13. The first surface is: a first ion manipulation device characterized by a first ion manipulation device potential, the first surface being configured to receive ions from the first ion manipulation device; a second ion manipulation device characterized by a second ion manipulation device potential, the first surface being coupled to one or more of the second ion manipulation device configured to transport ions to the second ion manipulation device; a bias ion potential energy of the ions associated with the bias DC voltage signal is less than a first ion potential energy of the ions associated with the first ion manipulation device potential; 13. The device of claim 12, wherein and / or the bias ion potential energy is greater than a second ion potential energy of the ion associated with the second ion manipulation device potential.

14. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first ion manipulation device is an ion source and the second ion manipulation device is an ion detector, and the first surface is coupled to the ion source at a first end of the first surface and to the ion detector at a second end of the first surface.

15. 13. A method comprising: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: providing a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the first surface, the first surface and the second surface defining a first ion channel therebetween, the first ion channel extending along a first direction, the second surface comprising: a first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode along a second direction transverse to the first direction, the first plurality of electrodes extending along the first direction; a second plurality of electrodes located between the first electrode and the second electrode and arranged along the first direction; providing ions along a first ion channel; applying, by the controller, a first voltage signal to a first electrode, the first electrode configured to generate at least a portion of a pseudopotential that blocks ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface; applying, by a controller, a second voltage signal to a second plurality of electrodes, the second voltage signal including a transport drive potential component and a static bias DC voltage component, the second plurality of electrodes configured to generate a biased first transport drive potential for transport along a first direction, the first transport drive potential configured to guide ions along the first ion channel; The method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first voltage signal is a first radio frequency (RF) signal, the controller further applies a third voltage signal to the second electrode, the third voltage signal being a second RF voltage signal, and a phase difference between the first RF voltage signal and the second RF voltage signal has a value in a range from about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising applying, by the controller, a third voltage signal to the second electrode, the second electrode configured to generate at least a second portion of the pseudopotential.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the controller includes a first RF control circuit configured to generate the first RF voltage signal and a second RF control circuit configured to generate the second RF voltage signal.

19. A device comprising: A first surface; a second surface adjacent to the first surface, the first surface and the second surface defining a first ion channel therebetween, the first ion channel extending along a first direction, the second surface comprising: a first plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode along a first direction, the first plurality of electrodes being arranged along the first direction, the first electrode configured to receive a first RF voltage signal and the second electrode configured to receive a second RF voltage signal; a second direction transverse to the first direction and spaced apart from the first plurality of electrodes; a second plurality of electrodes including a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed along the first direction adjacent to the third electrode, the third electrode configured to receive the second RF voltage signal and the fourth electrode configured to receive the first RF voltage signal; a second surface, the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode being configured to generate a portion of a pseudopotential that blocks ions in the first ion channel from approaching the second surface, the first electrode being adjacent to the third electrode along the second direction, and the second electrode being adjacent to the fourth electrode along the second direction; a controller electrically coupled to the first surface and the second surface, the controller being configured to generate a first RF voltage signal having a first phase and to generate a second RF voltage signal having a second phase, a first phase difference between the first phase and the second phase being set to a first predetermined value; The device comprising:

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