Curved Ion Guide with Radial DC Field for Multi-Mass Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curved ion guides face challenges in transmitting ions at high kinetic energy and multiple masses simultaneously while maintaining optimal transmission conditions, leading to less than optimal instrument sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a curved ion guide with a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel and a central curved axis, combined with a radial DC electric field applied along the radius of curvature, to focus and deflect ions efficiently, allowing for higher kinetic energy transmission and simultaneous guidance of multiple masses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RF voltage is optimized for one mass at a time, then transmission efficiency for that mass is maximized, but transmission of multiple masses simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control by introducing a time-varying DC offset voltage to the RF field. The DC offset modulates the RF trapping field strength dynamically during ion transmission, allowing the system to adapt transmission conditions for different masses without requiring separate optimization for each mass. This dynamic modulation enables simultaneous transmission of multiple masses with improved efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the RF field by superimposing a DC offset voltage on the traditional RF-only field. This parameter modification transforms the static RF field into a dynamically adjustable field that can accommodate different mass ranges. By varying the DC offset, the system adjusts the effective trapping field strength to optimize transmission for multiple masses simultaneously.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ions are transmitted at higher kinetic energy, then ion processing capability is improved, but ion stability and transmission efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a DC offset voltage that acts as a compensating force to the RF field. This DC component counterbalances the destabilizing effects of high kinetic energy ions, providing additional confinement and stability. The DC offset effectively counteracts the tendency of high-energy ions to escape the trapping field, enabling stable transmission at higher energies.
3Measurement precision
If a curved ion guide is used to separate neutral noise from ions, then sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the ion guide to simultaneously perform multiple functions: it provides curved path geometry for neutral noise separation while also incorporating DC offset-modulated RF fields for stable ion transmission. This unified structure achieves both the separation function and the ion stabilization function without requiring additional separate components, thereby reducing overall 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 configuration enhances ion transmission efficiency at higher kinetic energies and broader mass ranges, maintaining optimal sensitivity and robustness in ion guiding systems.
Implementation Method 1
A radio-frequency electric field is generated across the ion guide region to focus the ion to motions generally along the curved central axis
Implementation Method 2
A radial DC electric field is generated across the ion guide region and along the radius of curvature to provide an ion deflecting force directed along the radius of curvature
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
An ion guide includes a plurality of curved electrodes and an ion deflecting device. The electrodes are arranged in parallel with each other and with a central curved axis, the curved central axis being co-extensive with an arc of a circular section having a radius of curvature, each electrode being radially spaced from the curved central axis, wherein the plurality of electrodes define a curved ion guide region arranged about the curved central axis and between opposing pairs of the electrodes. The ion deflecting device may include a device for applying a DC electric field to two or more of the electrodes in a radial direction. The ion deflecting device may include a pair of curved, parallel ion deflecting electrodes, which are in addition to curved electrodes utilized for applying an RF ion guiding field.