Compound-Specific Mask for Mass Spectrometry Detector Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers are complex and costly due to their ability to analyze a wide variety of ions and samples, making them unsuitable for applications that require compound-specific analysis, such as environmental monitoring and security screening.
Innovation Solution
A chemical-compound-specific coding mass spectrometry system that employs a compound-specific mask between the ion source and detector, directing all ion fragments to a single detector element, reducing detector complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mass spectrometers are designed to analyze a wide variety of ions and samples, then versatility and generality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the specific ion fragments of interest from the full mass spectrum by using a compound-specific mask that selectively transmits only those fragments. This eliminates the need for complex detector arrays required in conventional systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining compound-specific detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The compound-specific mask serves multiple functions: it acts as a spatial filter for ion fragments, a compound identifier, and a signal concentrator. By making the mask compound-specific rather than application-specific, the system achieves versatility for different compounds while maintaining a simple detector structure
2Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometers use multiple detector elements to detect ion fragments, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function for multiple ion fragments onto a single detector element by using the compound-specific mask to spatially concentrate all relevant fragments onto one detection point. This maintains measurement precision through selective detection while dramatically reducing detector complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The compound-specific mask acts as an intermediary between the ion source and detector, performing the function of selecting and concentrating ion fragments before they reach the detector. This intermediary element enables a single detector to achieve what would otherwise require multiple detectors, reducing system complexity
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 results in a less complex and more cost-effective mass spectrometer design, specifically suited for applications like environmental monitoring and security screening, with improved compound specificity and reduced confusion from similar compounds.
Implementation Method 1
a mass analyzer that separates the produced ion fragments according to their mass
Implementation Method 2
a compound-specific mask interposed between the ion source and the detector that substantially all directs the compound-identifying ion fragments to a single detector element
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems, methods, and structures for compound-specific coding mass spectrometry wherein compound-specific masks/codes are positioned between an ion source and detector of a mass spectrometer.