Multi-reflection Mass Spectrometer with Converging Ion Mirrors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometers face limitations in extending ion flight paths due to beam divergence and space charge effects, which restrict the number of reflections and mass resolution.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates two ion mirrors with varying degrees of convergence along their length, allowing for a zigzag ion path and a pseudo-potential gradient that decelerates ions, enabling increased reflections and flight time without additional deflectors or lenses, thus enhancing mass resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If parallel opposing mirrors with constant separation are used to extend ion flight path, then flight path length increases, but beam divergence causes loss of sensitivity and limits maximum reflections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight path lengthVSAvoidbeam sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror separation is made non-uniform along the drift direction, with the first portion having a smaller separation than the second portion. This local variation in geometry creates a pseudo-potential gradient that decelerates ions in the drift direction, reducing beam divergence and maintaining beam sensitivity over extended flight paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Length of stationary object

If multiple lenses and deflectors are added to control beam divergence and extend flight path, then flight path length increases, but device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight path lengthVSAvoidinstrument complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beam focusing function is integrated into the mirror structure itself through non-uniform separation along the drift direction. This merging of the mirror and focusing elements eliminates the need for separate lenses and deflectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining extended flight path capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If gridded mirrors are used to provide beam focusing, then beam divergence is controlled, but ion flux is reduced at each reflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam focusVSAvoidion flux

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The grid structure is removed from the mirror design. Instead of using gridded mirrors to provide focusing, the invention uses the non-uniform separation of continuous mirrors to create a pseudo-potential gradient that achieves both beam focusing and maintains high ion flux through the reflections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Length of stationary object

If periodic lenses are added to control beam divergence, then flight path length increases, but manufacturing precision and alignment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight path lengthVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Length of stationary object

If deflector is added at distal end to double flight path length, then flight path length increases, but beam aberrations are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight path lengthVSAvoidmass resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 increases the number of oscillations by 50% and time of flight by 50%, improving mass resolution and reducing space charge interactions while maintaining a simpler and less costly instrument design.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second portions of length providing different return pseudo-potential gradients for reducing the drift velocity of the ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPseudo-potential gradient: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

ions injected into the space between the ion mirrors are repeatedly reflected back and forth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an ion injector for injecting ions as an ion beam into the space between the ion mirrors at an inclination angle to the X direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon injection: Injector

Data Source

PatentUS10141176B2Multi-reflection mass spectrometer with deceleration stage

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 THERMO FISHER SCI BREMEN

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a multi-reflection mass spectrometer comprising two ion mirrors spaced apart and opposing each other in an X direction, each mirror elongated along a drift direction Y orthogonal to the direction X, and an ion injector for injecting ions as an ion beam into the space between the ion mirrors at an inclination angle to the X direction. Along a first portion of their length in the drift direction Y the ion mirrors converge with a first degree of convergence, and along a second portion of their length in the drift direction Y the ion mirrors converge with a second degree of convergence or are parallel, the first portion of their length being closer to the ion injector than the second portion and the first degree of convergence being greater than the second degree of convergence.