2D Ion Mobility Filtering for Continuous Ion Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and mass spectrometry (MS) systems face limitations in filtering ions based on mobility, leading to the loss of ions produced during non-accumulation periods, as they separate and analyze ions one packet at a time, resulting in incomplete ion detection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for filtering ions using a two-dimensional ion mobility separation approach, where a controller applies voltage signals to electrodes in an ion channel to guide ions across the channel, directing ions with specific mobility ranges into different paths, allowing for the separation and filtration of ions within narrow mobility ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ions are separated one packet at a time in traditional IMS systems, then mobility separation can be achieved, but ions produced during non-accumulation periods are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous ion accumulation and separation by maintaining a steady ion beam through the mobility filter rather than processing discrete packets. The filter continuously directs ions of specific mobility ranges into different paths, enabling uninterrupted analysis and eliminating ion loss during non-accumulation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a spatial dimension to mobility separation by using a two-dimensional ion mobility filter that directs ions into different spatial paths based on their mobility. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous separation of multiple ion populations without temporal packetization, resolving the contradiction between separation resolution and ion loss.
2Measurement precision
If traditional IMS systems analyze ions in discrete packets, then mobility-based separation is achieved, but the productivity is reduced due to intermittent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by constantly accumulating and separating ions based on mobility without interruption. The mobility filter operates continuously to direct ions into appropriate paths, eliminating the intermittent nature of packet-based systems and thereby increasing productivity while preserving separation resolution.
3Measurement precision
If a narrow mobility range is selected for ion transmission, then detection accuracy for specific ions is improved, but the quantity of detectable ion types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility filter is segmented into multiple output paths, each capable of transmitting ions within specific mobility ranges. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high detection accuracy for targeted ion types in each path while providing versatility across multiple ion types through the combined output of all paths.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from temporal to spatial separation dimensions, the system can simultaneously handle multiple mobility ranges across different spatial paths. This dimensional change enables the system to maintain narrow mobility range selection for accuracy while expanding overall adaptability through parallel path coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient filtering and transmission of ions within specific mobility ranges, reducing ion loss and improving the accuracy of ion detection by allowing continuous ion separation and analysis, enhancing the resolution and completeness of ion identification.
Implementation Method 1
IMS is a technique for separating and identifying ions in gaseous phase based on their mobilities. An ion having a larger mobility (or smaller collision cross section [CCS]) moves faster under the influence of the electric field compared to an ion with a smaller mobility (or larger CCS).
Implementation Method 2
The second plurality of electrodes is configured to generate, based on the second voltage signal, a DC potential that is configured to direct a first portion of the stream of ions having ions with mobilities in a first mobility range along a first path, and direct a second portion of the stream of ions having ions with mobilities in a second mobility range along a second path.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for separating ions includes first and second surfaces extending along first and second perpendicular directions, an ion channel defined between the surfaces and configured to receive a stream of ions, first and second electrode arrays each including a plurality of electrodes extending in a third direction and respectively associated with the first and second surfaces, means for causing gas to flow across the ion channel in a fourth direction substantially opposite the first direction, and a controller configured to apply a DC voltage gradient to the electrode arrays. The electrode arrays are configured to generate an electric field based on the DC voltage gradient. The electric field and the flow of gas are configured to direct ions having mobilities in a first mobility range along a first path and ions having mobilities in a second mobility range along a second path.