Discontinuous Atmospheric Interface Timing for Pulsed Ion Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems combining miniaturized instrumentation and ambient ionization face limitations due to low pumping speed and high solvent and gas usage, which affect sensitivity and sampling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Synchronizing ion generation with the cycling of a discontinuous atmospheric interface (DAPI) to improve sensitivity, reduce solvent and gas usage, and enhance sampling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous ion generation is used in miniaturized mass spectrometry systems, then ion supply is maintained, but pumping speed limitations and high solvent/gas usage reduce sensitivity and sampling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic ion generation synchronized with periodic opening/closing of the atmospheric interface. The ion source operates in pulses rather than continuously, generating ions only during brief intervals when the interface is open to the vacuum system. This periodic operation reduces the total number of ions generated, thereby reducing solvent and gas consumption while maintaining adequate ion supply during the active analysis periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing and duration of ion generation to match the opening/closing cycle of the atmospheric interface. The ion source is activated only when the interface is open, creating a dynamic synchronization between ion production and system pressure state. This dynamic operation optimizes the balance between ion supply and pumping capacity, improving sampling efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If continuous ion generation is used, then adequate ion supply is maintained, but solvent and nebulizing gas consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ion source operates in periodic pulses synchronized with the atmospheric interface opening/closing cycle. By generating ions only during brief intervals when the interface is open rather than continuously, the system maintains adequate ion supply for analysis while dramatically reducing the total consumption of solvent and nebulizing gas that would be required for continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and concentrates ions during the brief window when the atmospheric interface is open, before closing to pump away neutrals. This preliminary ion generation and concentration step ensures adequate ion supply is achieved efficiently, reducing the need for continuous solvent and gas flow that would otherwise be required to maintain ion production.
3Productivity
If the atmospheric interface is opened continuously, then ion transfer efficiency is maximized, but the pumping system cannot handle the large gas loads
Solution Approach 1:
The atmospheric interface operates in periodic cycles, opening briefly to admit ions and closing to allow the pumping system to remove accumulated neutrals and maintain vacuum. This periodic opening/closing strategy enables high ion transfer efficiency during the open intervals while limiting the total gas load on the pumping system to manageable levels, solving the contradiction between ion transfer and pumping capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary ion admission during brief open intervals before closing the interface. This preliminary action allows maximum ion transfer efficiency to be achieved during the open state, while the subsequent closed state provides an opportunity for the pumping system to clear accumulated gas loads, preventing overwhelming the pump.
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
The approach results in a more sensitive and efficient mass spectrometer, capable of analyzing samples with improved sensitivity and reduced reagent consumption, suitable for use outside laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
the high voltage source is not in contact with spray emitted by the spray emitter... the ions are generated by inductive charging
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to methods and devices for synchronization of ion generation with cycling of a discontinuous atmospheric interface. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample that includes a mass spectrometry probe that generates sample ions, a discontinuous atmospheric interface, and a mass analyzer, in which the system is configured such that ion formation is synchronized with cycling of the discontinuous atmospheric interface.