Bipolar Mass Analysis Chamber With Switchable Ion Gate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass analyser arrangements have limited freedom in ionisation methods for generating positively and negatively charged ions, restricting the flexibility in ion generation and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar mass analyser arrangement is introduced, where both types of ions are inserted into a single mass analysis chamber and analysed using separate mass analysers, with a switchable ion gate controlling their entry, allowing for efficient and effective control of ion insertion and switching between positive and negative ion modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common ion source region is used for generating both positively and negatively charged ions, then the device structure is simplified, but the freedom to choose ionisation methods is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mass analyser arrangement into separate sections: a common ion source region for generating ions, and separate mass analyser sections for positively and negatively charged ions. This segmentation allows different ionisation methods to be applied in the common source region while maintaining simplified structure, as the separation occurs in the analysis sections rather than the ion generation region.
2Measurement precision
If separate mass analysers are used for positively and negatively charged ions, then the mass analysis precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ion source region for both positive and negative ions into a single common space, while only separating the mass analysis sections. This combining approach reduces device complexity by sharing the ion generation infrastructure, while the necessary separation for precise mass analysis is maintained in the analyser sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The common ion source region serves multiple functions: generating both positively and negatively charged ions using different ionisation methods. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high mass analysis precision through separate analysers while avoiding the complexity of having completely separate ion source regions.
3Loss of time
If a switchable ion gate is introduced to control ion insertion, then the time resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switchable ion gate that dynamically controls the insertion of ions into the mass analyser. This dynamic element improves time resolution by enabling precise temporal control over ion insertion, allowing the system to switch between analysing positive and negative ions efficiently. The added complexity is localized to the gate mechanism rather than the entire device.
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 provides greater flexibility in ionisation methods, enabling time-resolved mass analysis with high time resolution and efficient operation, suitable for various sample types, including gas chromatography and ion molecule reactors, while maintaining precise mass spectra analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the switchable ion gate is switched between a positive ions insertion mode where the positively charged ions are allowed to pass through the intake into the mass analysis chamber while the negatively charged ions are prevented from passing through the intake into the mass analysis chamber, and a negative ions insertion mode where the negatively charged ions are allowed to pass through the intake into the mass analysis chamber while the positively charged ions are prevented from passing through the intake into the mass analysis chamber
Implementation Method 2
mass analysing ions, be it positively charged ions or negatively charged ions, is performed by separating the ions according to their mass per charge ratio and by obtaining a so-called mass spectrum
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for mass analysing positively charged ions and negatively charged ions with a mass analyser arrangement (10). The method includes inserting the positively charged ions and the negatively charged ions via an intake (13) of the mass analyser arrangement (10) into a mass analysis chamber (14) of the mass analyser arrangement (10). Furthermore, the method includes transferring inside the mass analysis chamber (14) the positively charged ions from the intake (13) to a first mass analyser (11) of the mass analyser arrangement (10) and mass analysing the positively charged ions with the first mass analyser (11) and transferring inside the mass analysis chamber (14) the negatively charged ions from the intake (13) to a second mass analyser (12) of the mass analyser arrangement (10) and mass analysing the negatively charged ions with the second mass analyser (12). The invention furthermore relates to the mass analyser arrangement (10) for mass analysing positively charged ions and negatively charged ions with the method according to the invention.