Axial Charged Particle Introduction in Mass Spectrometry Multipole Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for introducing charged particles into a collision cell in mass spectrometry are inefficient due to the charged particles being deflected and losing energy when passing through the RF field, leading to suboptimal fragmentation of parent ions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that directs charged particles through a mass analyzer and into a multipole device via its ion exit end, minimizing exposure to the RF field and ensuring effective combination with ions for fragmentation or charge alteration, using a source of charged particles such as a glow discharge or electron emitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If charged particles are introduced radially through the RF field into the collision cell, then the ion passageway can be accessed, but the charged particles are deflected and lose energy, reducing fragmentation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of introducing charged particles radially through the RF field (conventional approach), the patent introduces them axially through the ion passageway from the ion source end. This inverted approach allows charged particles to travel through the same path as ions without encountering the RF field barrier, thereby maintaining their energy and improving fragmentation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the ion passageway as an intermediary channel to transport charged particles into the collision cell. By utilizing the existing ion transport pathway, charged particles can enter the collision region without directly crossing the RF field, thus avoiding energy loss while still reaching the target ions for fragmentation
2Ease of operation
If a slot is constructed in an electrode to introduce charged particles, then particle introduction is enabled, but potential distortion within the oscillating multipole field occurs, reducing device performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charged particle introduction function from the electrode structure (which would require slots or openings) and places it at the ion source end of the multipole device. This separation allows the multipole electrodes to maintain their intact structure and generate undistorted oscillating fields, while charged particles are still successfully introduced through the ion passageway
3Speed
If charged particles pass through the RF field, then they can reach the ion passageway, but the RF field acts as a barrier causing deflection and energy change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional introduction approach by entering the collision cell axially from the ion source end rather than radially through the RF field. This allows charged particles to utilize the ion passageway as a protected channel, avoiding RF field interference entirely while maintaining their velocity for effective ion fragmentation
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 approach enhances the efficiency of charged particle introduction, maintaining their energy and direction, thereby improving the fragmentation process and mass analysis in mass spectrometry applications.
Implementation Method 1
A radio frequency (RF) voltage is applied to the electrodes to produce an oscillating electrical field which holds parent ions within the ion passageway
Implementation Method 2
Fragmentation of the trapped parent ion is achieved by colliding the ion with neutral gas molecules or charged particles (e.g., other positively-charged or negatively-charged ions or electrons) to break covalent bonds within the ion. In these collisional methods, the energy produced by collision of a parent ion and a charged particle is redistributed within the parent ion, and the energy redistribution leads to dissociation (i.e., breakage) of covalent bonds within the parent ion.
Implementation Method 3
using a source of charged particles such as a glow discharge or electron emitter
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus for combining ions and charged particles. In general, the apparatus contains: a) a multipole device having an ion exit end; b) a mass analyzer; and c) a source of charged particles. The apparatus is configured so that charged particles produced by the source of charged particles pass through the mass analyzer and into the multipole device via the ion exit end of the multipole device.