Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer Filter Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometers have limited separation ability due to inefficient ion migration and trapping mechanisms, leading to incomplete separation of ions with varying mass-to-charge ratios.
Innovation Solution
The spectrometer employs a filter with a specific configuration of plate-like electrodes and an asymmetric alternating voltage application, allowing for selective separation of ions by adjusting electric field intensity and migration directions, ensuring efficient trapping and discharge of specific ions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional filter with limited electrode configuration is used, then the device complexity is low, but the separation ability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple electrode groups (first electrode group with first and third plate-like electrodes, second electrode group with second and fourth plate-like electrodes) arranged in sequence. Each electrode group independently contributes to the asymmetric alternating electric field, enabling enhanced separation ability through segmented functional zones without requiring a single complex electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrode groups are positioned at different locations within the filter to create localized electric field variations. The first electrode group handles initial ion separation while subsequent groups refine the separation, with each local zone optimized for specific separation tasks based on ion mobility characteristics at different field intensities.
2Productivity
If the filter is positioned far from the ionizer, then the ion migration path is longer, but the separation efficiency decreases due to ion dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned adjacent to the ionizer to perform separation immediately after ionization. This preliminary action prevents ion dispersion that would occur during extended migration, allowing the asymmetric alternating electric field to act on ions while they are still concentrated and coherent, thereby maximizing separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the migration path in the longitudinal direction (increasing distance from ionizer), the patent uses multiple electrode groups arranged in a compact configuration that creates asymmetric electric fields in the transverse direction. This dimensional approach enables effective separation within a short migration path by utilizing field intensity variations across the electrode gaps.
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
This configuration enhances the separation ability of the spectrometer, enabling efficient separation of ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios, improving the overall separation efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an ionizer for ionizing the two or more kinds of materials contained in the mixture
Implementation Method 2
a filter for selecting the at least one kind of material from the two or more kinds of the ionized materials
Implementation Method 3
the filter comprises a first electrode group and a second electrode group... an asymmetric alternating voltage is applied to the first electrode group
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer for selectively separating at least one kind of material from a mixture containing two or more kinds of materials. A filter included in the spectrometry comprises first—four plate-like electrodes each having a principal plane parallel to a direction from an ionizer toward a filter. The second plate-like electrode is located between the first plate-like electrode and the third plate-like electrode. The third plate-like electrode is located between the second plate-like electrode and the fourth plate-like electrode. The third and fourth plate-like electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second plate-like electrodes, respectively. An interspace is formed between two adjacent plate-like electrodes. The present invention provides a field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer having high separation ability.