Bubble-Based Ion Source for Low-Voltage Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ion generation methods, such as electrospray ionization, are limited by the need for high voltage and low current capacity, restricting throughput and efficiency in ionization processes.
Innovation Solution
A bubble-based ion source system that generates ions by evaporating solvent from bubbles using a heat source, with a multi-plane ion trap array and electrodes to guide ions to an analyzer, allowing for low voltage and efficient ion generation and transportation to analytical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrospray ionization is used to generate ions, then ions can be produced, but high voltage is required and current capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrospray mechanical system (which requires high voltage to create charged droplets) with a bubble-based system where gas bubbles rise through liquid sample, burst at the surface, and eject liquid jets that are naturally charged. This substitution eliminates the need for high voltage application while maintaining ion generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of gas to liquid through bubble formation and bursting. Gas bubbles form in the liquid sample, rise to the surface, and burst, creating liquid jets that are ejected into the gas phase. This natural phase transition process drives ion generation without requiring high voltage, resolving the contradiction between ion generation efficiency and voltage requirement
2Productivity
If electrospray ionization is used, then ions can be generated, but throughput is limited due to limited liquid flow capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous liquid flow into discrete gas bubbles that rise through the liquid. Each bubble acts as an independent carrier that can extract and eject liquid containing ions. This segmentation allows multiple bubbles to operate simultaneously, increasing overall throughput without requiring increased liquid flow capacity through the electrospray needle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gas injection to create bubbles that rise through the liquid sample via buoyancy. This pneumatic approach allows large volumes of liquid to be processed as multiple bubbles rise and burst at the surface, significantly increasing ion throughput compared to the limited liquid flow that can pass through an electrospray needle
3Ease of operation
If high voltage is applied in electrospray, then ions can be ejected from droplets, but the system becomes complex and requires precise voltage control
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble-based ion source utilizes natural physical processes - gas bubbles rise through liquid due to buoyancy, burst at the surface creating liquid jets, and the jets are naturally charged through the bursting process. This self-driven mechanism eliminates the need for complex high voltage control systems, simplifying the device while maintaining ease of operation
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 ion generation and transportation to mass spectrometers and other analytical devices, overcoming limitations of high voltage requirements and increasing ion capacity, particularly through the natural atomization process of bursting bubbles.
Implementation Method 1
a bubble generator coupled to the container configured to generate a plurality of bubbles within the solvent. The heat source can be configured to evaporate at least a portion of the solvent from each of the bubbles leaving a plurality of ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes embodiments directed to a bubble based ion source system comprising an ion source configured to generate a plurality of ions, an ion channel, an electrode, and/or any other components. The ion source can include a container at least partially comprising a solvent or solution, a bubble generator coupled to the container configured to generate a plurality of bubbles within the solvent, and/or any other component. The ion channel can receive ions that are generated based on solvent from the bubbles.