Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization for Stable Low-Pressure MS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion sources struggle to operate stably in low-pressure environments, particularly in the ranges of 0.01 to 100 Pa and 1 to 30 Pa, with limited ionization efficiency and short electrode lifespan, making them unsuitable for mass spectrometric analysis.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric barrier discharge ionization system with a dielectric barrier discharge tube and an electrode pair, optimized for low-pressure operation by adjusting the tube's inner diameter and wall thickness, and using a semi-permeable membrane for sample introduction, allowing stable ionization across a wide pressure range without carrier gas assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electron impact ion source is used in pressure range of 0.01-1 Pa, then ionization capability is improved, but filament lifetime decreases and spectrum complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using dielectric barrier discharge instead of electron impact, operating in pressure range of 1-100 Pa instead of 0.01-1 Pa, which eliminates filament consumption while maintaining ionization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filament-based electron impact system with a dielectric barrier discharge system using electrodeless or contactless discharge, eliminating the consumable filament component
2Reliability
If photoionization ion source is used in pressure range of 1-30 Pa, then operational stability is improved, but ionization ability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ionization mechanism from photoionization to dielectric barrier discharge ionization, enabling operation in pressure range of 1-100 Pa with enhanced ionization ability while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structure combining dielectric material barrier with discharge electrodes, creating a system that achieves both stability and high ionization efficiency through the synergistic effect of dielectric suppression and plasma generation
3Productivity
If electric discharge ion source is used in pressure range of 30-100 Pa, then plasma generation is improved, but electrode consumption increases and operating pressure range narrows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrode contact discharge with dielectric barrier discharge, where the dielectric barrier prevents direct contact between electrodes and plasma, eliminating electrode consumption while maintaining plasma generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dielectric material as an intermediary barrier between electrodes and plasma, which mediates the discharge process to prevent electrode erosion while allowing plasma formation
4Reliability
If dielectric barrier discharge ionization is operated at atmospheric pressure, then stable plasma production is improved, but vacuum compatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the discharge system dynamic by enabling operation across a wide pressure range (0.01-100 Pa) rather than fixed atmospheric pressure, allowing adaptation to different vacuum conditions while maintaining stable plasma production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal dielectric barrier discharge system that can function across multiple pressure regimes (vacuum to atmospheric), making it adaptable to various analytical instrument configurations including mass spectrometers operating at different pressures
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 system achieves high ionization efficiency and extended electrode lifespan, enabling stable operation from 0.01 to 100 Pa with adjustable ionization strength, surpassing limitations of existing low-pressure ion sources.
Implementation Method 1
The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), also known as the silent discharge, is non-equilibrium gas discharge with an insulating medium inserted into a discharge space
Implementation Method 2
the ionization of a sample molecule to be detected can be realized under open conditions
Implementation Method 3
a semi-permeable membrane for sample introduction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides dielectric barrier discharge ionization, including a dielectric barrier discharge tube and an electrode pair consisting of a first electrode and a second electrode. At least a portion of the dielectric barrier discharge tube is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrode pair can ionize the sample after the power is turned on. The dielectric barrier discharge tube is in communication with a vacuum portion. The pressure range in the dielectric barrier discharge tube is 0.01 to 100 Pa. The dielectric barrier discharge ionization provided by the invention remedies the defects of existing low-pressure ion sources in the pressure range, and provides the low-pressure ion source with high ionization ability, high versatility and simple devices.