Complemented Ion Funnel Layout for Low-Turbulence Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion transport systems in mass spectrometry face challenges in efficiently transporting ions from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum regions while minimizing gas turbulence and ion fragmentation, and lack an independent calibrant inlet for real-time monitoring.
Innovation Solution
An ion transport system with a slotted-bore ion transfer tube and an auxiliary gas inlet, utilizing DC voltages to guide ions through stacked ring electrodes, reduces gas turbulence and allows for separate calibrant introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ion funnel with single aperture is used, then ion transport is achieved, but gas turbulence and ion fragmentation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The single ion outlet aperture is divided into two separate apertures: a first aperture for ion transmission and a second aperture for gas removal. This segmentation allows ions and gas to be directed through different paths, reducing gas turbulence in the ion beam path while maintaining efficient ion transport to the mass analyzer.
2Device complexity
If single aperture design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility for calibration and sample analysis is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-aperture ion funnel enables multiple functions: the first aperture handles sample ion analysis while the second aperture can be used for gas removal and calibration. This multi-functionality allows real-time calibration without disrupting sample analysis, enhancing system versatility without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If real-time calibration is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but disruption to sample analysis occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the ion outlet into two distinct apertures, the system allows calibration ions to pass through the second aperture while sample ions continue to be analyzed through the first aperture. This enables real-time calibration without interrupting sample analysis, maintaining both measurement precision and analytical productivity.
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
Enhances ion transmission efficiency and enables real-time calibration without disrupting sample analysis, improving mass spectrometer performance and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an ion funnel comprises a stack or plate electrodes or ring electrodes that provide Radio Frequency (RF) electric fields that guide and focus the flux of ions through the aperture 48
Implementation Method 2
The internal volume within which ions are constrained by electrostatic forces
Implementation Method 3
providing voltages to electrodes of the ion transport apparatus that urge the ions to migrate towards the extension of the second central longitudinal axis that is within the first electrode section
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
A mass spectrometry method comprises: (1) introducing ions and gas into an first electrode section of an ion transport apparatus through a slot of an ion transfer tube, the ion tunnel section comprising a first longitudinal axis that is contained within a slot plane of the ion transfer tube, the first longitudinal axis not intersecting an outlet of the ion transfer tube, wherein the apparatus further comprises: (a) a second electrode section configured to receive the ions from the first electrode section and comprising a second longitudinal axis that is not coincident with the first longitudinal axis; and (b) an ion outlet aperture ;(2) providing voltages to electrodes of the ion transport apparatus that urge the ions to migrate towards the first longitudinal axis within the first electrode section; and (3) exhausting gas through a port that is offset from the ion outlet aperture.