Dielectric Barrier Ion Source Layout for Stable Miniature Mass Spectrometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion sources for mass spectrometers, such as DBD devices, face challenges in miniaturization, stability at varying gas pressures, and manufacturing complexity, limiting their application in compact mass spectrometers and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact ion source design utilizing a dielectric barrier discharge assembly with a first electrode plate, a dielectric spacer plate, and a second electrode plate in close proximity, featuring through holes to form a gas passageway, allowing for stable ionization at low or atmospheric pressures with reduced machining accuracy requirements and enhanced ionization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DBD ionization source is designed with complex electrode structures (internal and external double-ring type), then ionization efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ionization source is divided into multiple independent electrode assemblies, each with simple planar electrodes. These segmented assemblies work in parallel to achieve uniform ionization without requiring complex single-piece electrode structures, thereby maintaining ionization efficiency while reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from complex three-dimensional curved electrode structures to simple two-dimensional planar electrode plates arranged in stacked layers. This dimensional simplification maintains the ionization function while dramatically reducing machining and assembly difficulties
2Reliability
If DBD ionization source uses large axial space configuration, then stable discharge is achieved, but mass spectrometer miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode assemblies are nested in a compact stacked arrangement where each assembly consists of closely spaced electrode plates. This nested configuration achieves stable discharge through multiple parallel plasma regions while minimizing the overall axial length, enabling mass spectrometer miniaturization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alternating polarity high voltage application to dynamically control the discharge between adjacent electrode plates. This dynamic switching creates stable plasma regions in a compact space, maintaining discharge stability without requiring large axial dimensions
3Reliability
If high voltage electrode is directly exposed in sample path, then ionization efficiency is improved, but charge accumulation on dielectric surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric barrier plate is introduced as an intermediary between the high voltage electrode and the sample gas flow. This mediator allows the high voltage electrode to generate plasma for efficient ionization while preventing direct contact between the electrode/dielectric surface and the sample, thereby avoiding charge accumulation that would harm ionization stability
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric barrier, which initially seems to block direct ionization, actually prevents charge accumulation that would destabilize the discharge. By converting the potential harm of dielectric exposure into a protective barrier, the system achieves both efficient ionization and stable discharge operation
4Reliability
If vacuum environment is required for electron ionization, then ionization efficiency is improved, but system complexity and operational harshness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating pressure parameter from high vacuum (required by electron ionization) to atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressure by using dielectric barrier discharge. This parameter change maintains ionization efficiency while eliminating the need for complex vacuum systems, simplifying the overall device structure and operation
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 design enables miniaturization of mass spectrometers, maintains ionization stability across different gas pressures, and simplifies the manufacturing process, improving ionization efficiency and reducing production costs while preventing electrical breakdowns.
Implementation Method 1
Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) is a uniform, dispersed and stable discharge phenomenon. When a high voltage and high frequency alternating current is applied to a pair of electrodes separated by an insulating dielectric, the phenomenon of continuous and rapid pulse discharge will occur around the insulating dielectric due to the existence of the insulating dielectric, which will appear as a dispersed, uniform and stable plasma region on the macro level. When gaseous substances flow through this region, ions will be formed due to discharge or charge transfer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the technical field of analytical instruments, in particular to an ion source and a mass spectrometer. The ion source includes dielectric barrier discharge assemblies, wherein the dielectric barrier discharge assembly is composed of a first electrode plate, a dielectric spacer plate and a second electrode plate which are in close proximity in parallel in sequence, and a first through hole penetrating through the first electrode plate, a second through hole penetrating through the dielectric spacer plate and a third through hole penetrating through the second electrode plate are disposed corresponding to each other to form a gas passageway for gas to be ionized. The ion source of the present invention is simple in structure, compact, small in size, and extremely low in energy consumption, and is particularly suitable for use on miniaturized hand-held instruments.