Auto-Ejection Ion Trap for Mass Spectrometer Reaction Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mass spectrometry, existing techniques face challenges in differentiating between ions with the same mass-to-charge ratio due to limitations in separation and analysis resolution, making it difficult to distinguish between species based on reaction times during gas phase reactions.
Innovation Solution
A collision or reaction device for a mass spectrometer that temporally monitors gas phase reactions, allowing for the differentiation of species by measuring the time of auto-ejection of product ions from an ion trap, and utilizing a method that applies radially dependent trapping potentials and DC voltages to confine or extract ions based on their radial displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass spectrometry uses conventional separation and analysis methods, then the analysis can be performed with standard equipment, but the resolution is insufficient to differentiate between ions with the same mass-to-charge ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the mass spectrometry analysis by implementing sequential ejection of ions based on their formation time. Instead of relying solely on mass-to-charge ratio separation, the system adds time as a distinguishing parameter, allowing differentiation of isobaric ions (ions with same m/z) through their different reaction kinetics and formation times in the ion trap.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary trapping and reaction of ions before analysis. Ions are first trapped in the ion trap where they undergo gas-phase reactions to form product ions with characteristic formation times. This preliminary reaction phase allows the system to capture temporal information about ion formation before the actual detection, enabling differentiation based on reaction kinetics.
2Loss of information
If the system monitors gas phase reactions in real-time, then reaction kinetics information can be obtained, but the ability to distinguish between different ion species with same m/z is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the detected product ion signals to control the sequential ejection process. By monitoring which product ions are formed and when, the system adjusts the ejection timing to selectively eject ions based on their formation time characteristics. This feedback mechanism allows the system to correlate reaction kinetics data with specific ion species, improving differentiation capability.
3Productivity
If conventional ion ejection methods are used, then all product ions are ejected simultaneously, but temporal information about reaction kinetics is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic scanning through different ejection frequencies to selectively eject different ion species based on their secular frequencies. By applying RF voltages at specific frequencies that match the secular frequencies of trapped ions, the system can periodically eject ions in a controlled sequence, preserving temporal information while maintaining analysis throughput.
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 the identification and differentiation of parent ions based on reaction times, allowing for the determination of physico-chemical properties by analyzing product ions at different times, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing methods in distinguishing between ions with the same mass-to-charge ratio.
Implementation Method 1
a first device arranged and adapted to apply two DC voltages to the second quadrupole rod set so as to create a radially dependent trapping potential
Implementation Method 2
a second device arranged and adapted to apply a RF voltage to the first quadrupole rod set in order to radially excite a plurality of ions
Implementation Method 3
a third device arranged and adapted to apply two DC voltages to the second quadrupole rod set so as to create a DC electric field gradient acting to extract axially confined ions
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A collision or reaction device for a mass spectrometer Is disclosed comprising a first device arranged and adapted to cause first ions to collide or react with changed particles and/or neutral particles or otherwise dissociate so as to form second ions. A second device is arranged and adapted to apply a broadband excitation with one or more frequency notches to the first device so as to cause the second ions and/or ions derived from the second ions to be substantially ejected from the collision or reaction region. The collision or reaction device further comprises a device arranged and adapted to determine the time when the second ions and/or ions derived from the second ions are substantially ejected from the first device.