Co-planar Electrode Sample Plate for Multiply Charged Ion Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ionization methods, such as MALDI, struggle to generate multiply charged ions efficiently and reproducibly, with existing technologies like Laserspray requiring high fluence and being sensitive.
Innovation Solution
A sample plate with co-planar electrodes separated by an insulator is used to apply an electric field directly into the sample liquid, enhancing multiple charging of analyte species before desorption and ionization, and directing desorbed droplets through an energy imparting transfer device to increase multiply charged ion signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If MALDI ionization is used, then singly charged ions are generated, but multiply charged ions are not efficiently produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary electric field to the sample liquid before laser desorption to pre-charge the analyte species. This preliminary charging action enables the subsequent generation of multiply charged ions during laser desorption, resolving the contradiction by preparing the sample in advance to achieve the desired ionization outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical state of the sample liquid by applying a controlled electric field, transforming it from a neutral state to a charged state. This parameter change (electrical charge) directly enables the production of multiply charged ions during laser desorption, improving both the quantity and efficiency of multiply charged ion generation.
2Quantity of substance
If Laserspray ionization is used to generate multiply charged ions, then ion signals are enhanced, but high laser fluence is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary electric field to charge the sample liquid before laser desorption, which reduces the energy required during the laser step. By pre-charging the analyte species, the system achieves multiply charged ion generation at lower laser fluence levels, resolving the contradiction between ion signal enhancement and energy consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If electric field is applied to sample liquid, then multiply charged ions are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electric field application function into the existing sample plate or ion source structure, making the charging mechanism a multi-functional component that serves both sample introduction and pre-charging purposes. This universal approach minimizes additional device complexity while achieving multiply charged ion enhancement.
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 significantly enhances the generation and detection of multiply charged ions, improving the sensitivity and reproducibility of the ionization process.
Implementation Method 1
Two electrodes per droplet are arranged so as to maintain an electric field within the liquid droplet. The electric field charges the analyte and electrolytes in the matrix solution prior to laser desorption
Implementation Method 2
The electrodes and the insulator are preferably co-planar. The electric field preferably charges the analyte and electrolytes in the matrix solution prior to laser desorption by a laser beam from a laser
Implementation Method 3
The desorbed liquid droplets may be directed through an energy imparting transfer device for enhancing the generation and detection of multiply charged ion signals
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A sample plate for an ion source is disclosed comprising a plurality of ionization regions, each ionization region comprising a first electrode and a second separate electrode separated by an insulator.