Desorption Beam Steering for High-Resolution Analyte Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometry techniques face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution and efficient scanning of analyte material due to limitations in translation stage precision and beam orientation, leading to inaccuracies and smearing of measurement data.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a position monitoring system to correct deviations in translation device motion by adjusting the desorbing beam orientation, ensuring precise alignment of impingement regions, allowing for spatial resolutions down to 5-10 micrometers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a translation stage is used to move the sample support in mass spectrometry imaging, then the sample can be scanned across the beam, but the positioning accuracy is limited to single-digit micrometers (2.5-3 micrometers) which limits spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates position monitoring devices that continuously track the actual position of the sample support and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect positioning deviations and compensate for them in real-time, achieving spatial resolution better than the inherent mechanical precision of the translation stage would allow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical positioning with a hybrid system that combines mechanical translation with optical/electromagnetic beam steering. By using beam orientation adjustment (galvanometer mirrors or electro-optical deflectors) to fine-tune the impingement position, the system compensates for mechanical positioning limitations and achieves sub-micrometer spatial resolution.
2Productivity
If the translation stage moves the sample support with regular repetition over short distances, then scanning is achieved, but the movement is time-consuming due to the large mass that must be moved
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning process is segmented into two independent components: coarse positioning by the translation stage and fine positioning by beam steering. This segmentation allows the translation stage to move more quickly without compromising overall positioning accuracy, as the beam steering handles the precision requirements. The sample support mass is effectively decoupled from the high-precision positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically coordinates translation stage movement with beam orientation adjustment. During translation, the beam can be pre-positioned or adjusted to track the moving sample, optimizing the scanning speed. The control system synchronizes the mechanical movement with optical steering to maintain continuous coverage without waiting for mechanical settling at each position.
3Area of stationary object
If pure beam adjustment is used to scan the analyte material surface, then the beam can be directed to different areas, but the angle of incidence decreases and flattens relative to the sample support surface which adversely affects ion generation and ion transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the beam orientation to maintain an optimal angle of incidence across the entire scanned area. As the translation stage moves the sample to different positions, the beam steering system (galvanometer mirrors or electro-optical deflectors) continuously adjusts the beam angle to keep it perpendicular or at a consistent optimal angle to the sample surface, ensuring uniform ion generation efficiency throughout the scan.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from the translation stage position to calculate and adjust the required beam orientation. By monitoring the actual sample position and the desired scan pattern, the system computes the necessary beam angle adjustments to maintain optimal incidence angles, compensating for the changing geometry as the sample moves through the scanning range.
4Measurement precision
If high-precision piezo stages are used to achieve better positioning accuracy, then spatial resolution can be improved, but they are very expensive and unsuitable for industrial production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-precision mechanical positioning systems (piezo stages) with a combination of economical translation stage and optical beam steering. The beam orientation adjustment system provides the fine positioning capability that would otherwise require expensive piezo mechanics, achieving the same spatial resolution at a fraction of the cost and with better suitability for industrial production.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam steering system acts as an intermediary between the economical translation stage and the requirement for high spatial resolution. Instead of using expensive piezo stages to directly position the sample with micrometer precision, the system uses the translation stage for coarse positioning and the optical beam steering as an intermediary to achieve the final sub-micrometer positioning accuracy required for high spatial resolution imaging.
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
Enables accurate and efficient desorption scanning of analyte material with improved spatial resolution, enhancing the performance of mass and mobility-mass spectrometers, particularly in imaging mass spectrometry and high-throughput analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a beam device (2) arranged and configured to direct a beam that locally desorbs analyte material onto an impingement region on the sample support (13)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to devices and methods for desorption scanning of analyte material deposited on a sample support, which can comprise the following mode of operation: (a) setting a position of the support to approach an impingement region onto which a beam is directed for local desorption of analyte material; (b) determining an actual position of the support after setting the position; (c) comparing the determined actual position with a target position of the support to determine any deviation; (d) adjusting a beam orientation, if a deviation is detected, so that the beam is directed onto the impingement region on the support that results when there is no deviation; (e) applying the beam to the impingement region to locally desorb analyte material and deliver it to an analyzer; and (f) checking whether a predetermined end condition is satisfied and, if not, repeating steps (a)-(e) for a subsequent non-congruent impingement region.