Complemented Ion Funnel Layout for Low-Fragmentation Ion Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion transport systems in mass spectrometry face challenges in efficiently transferring ions from atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressure to high vacuum regions, leading to ion fragmentation and turbulence, and lack an independent calibrant inlet for real-time monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an ion transport system with a slotted-bore ion transfer tube and auxiliary gas flow, combined with DC and RF voltage configurations, to minimize gas turbulence and enable independent calibrant introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ions are transported from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum through conventional ion funnels, then ion transport is achieved, but ion fragmentation and turbulence occur
Solution Approach 1:
The ion transport system is divided into multiple distinct sections: an ion transfer tube with slotted bore, a first electrode section, a second electrode section, and an ion funnel with multiple ring electrodes. Each section performs a specific function in the ion transport process, allowing optimization of each segment to minimize fragmentation while maintaining transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an auxiliary gas flow as an intermediary medium between the atmospheric pressure ion source and the high vacuum region. This auxiliary gas creates a pressure gradient that facilitates smooth ion transport through the interface regions, reducing turbulence and fragmentation caused by direct pressure transitions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If DC and RF voltage configurations are applied to minimize gas turbulence, then ion transport stability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Radio frequency (RF) voltages are applied alternately to different sets of ring electrodes in the ion funnel, creating periodic electric fields that guide ions through the pressure gradient. This periodic action stabilizes the ion beam and reduces turbulence by maintaining consistent ion confinement throughout the transport process.
Solution Approach 2:
DC voltages are applied to the electrode sections to create equipotential regions that guide ion flow. By carefully configuring the DC voltage distribution across the transfer tube and electrode sections, the system creates smooth potential gradients that minimize turbulence while maintaining ion transport stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single ion inlet is used for sample analysis, then instrument simplicity is maintained, but real-time calibration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ion inlet system is segmented into a primary ion inlet for sample analysis and a secondary auxiliary inlet for calibration. This segmentation allows independent control of sample introduction and calibration processes, enabling real-time calibration without disrupting sample analysis while maintaining relatively simple instrument architecture.
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, reduces fragmentation, and allows for real-time instrument calibration without disrupting sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
providing DC and RF voltages to a plurality of electrodes of the ion transport system that minimize gas turbulence and that urge the ions to migrate toward a longitudinal axis of the ion transport system
Implementation Method 2
The introduction of an ion transport system with a slotted-bore ion transfer tube and auxiliary gas flow, combined with DC and RF voltage configurations, to minimize gas turbulence
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometry method comprises: (a) introducing ions and gas into a first electrode section of an ion transport apparatus along an axis, the ion transport apparatus further comprising a second electrode section including: a plurality of stacked, mutually parallel ring or plate electrodes; and an ion outlet aperture configured to receive the ions from the second electrode section and to transfer the ions to the vacuum chamber; (b) providing only non-oscillatory voltages to electrodes of the first electrode section of the ion transport apparatus that divert motion of the ions away from that axis and towards an entrance aperture of the second electrode section; (c) transporting the ions through the second electrode section to and through the ion outlet aperture to the vacuum chamber; and (d) removing a major portion of the gas through an exhaust port that is offset from the ion outlet aperture.