Dual Ion Store Accumulation for High-Rate Mass Spectrometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern mass spectrometers face challenges in maintaining sensitivity and repetition rate when increasing the repetition rate, as the reduced cycle time necessitates a decrease in ion accumulation time, leading to fewer ions being accumulated and reduced sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

Implement a dual-ion store system where a first ion store is used for pre-accumulation when the target accumulation time exceeds a threshold, allowing ions to be transferred to a second ion store for further accumulation, maintaining the desired ion count without significant sensitivity loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the repetition rate is increased, then productivity is improved, but the ion accumulation time must be decreased leading to loss of substance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepetition rateVSAvoidion accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The ion accumulation process is segmented into two distinct stages: a first ion store for initial accumulation and a second ion store for final accumulation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high repetition rates while achieving sufficient total ion accumulation by distributing the accumulation function across multiple storage regions with different time characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first ion store performs preliminary ion accumulation before the second ion store completes its accumulation cycle. Ions are pre-captured in the first store during periods when the second store is being processed or transferred, ensuring that sufficient ions are available when needed without extending the overall cycle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the ion accumulation time is decreased to increase repetition rate, then productivity is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepetition rateVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The accumulation function is divided between two ion stores, allowing the system to maintain short cycle times for high repetition rate while achieving sufficient total accumulation time across both stores. The first store handles rapid preliminary capture, while the second store completes the accumulation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first ion store acts as an intermediary between the ion source and the second ion store, temporarily holding ions and transferring them to the second store. This intermediary function allows the system to decouple the timing requirements of high repetition rate operation from the requirements of sufficient ion accumulation for sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single ion store is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain sensitivity at high repetition rates deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion store configurationVSAvoidsensitivity maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses two ion stores with different functional roles: the first store for rapid preliminary accumulation and the second store for final accumulation and analysis preparation. This segmentation enables the system to maintain sensitivity at high repetition rates, justifying the increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two-ion store system provides multiple functions within a single analytical instrument: rapid ion capture, temporary ion storage, ion transfer control, and preparation for analysis. This multi-functionality addresses the sensitivity-maintention requirement at high repetition rates while integrating seamlessly into the existing mass spectrometer architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach enables higher repetition rates without compromising sensitivity by optimizing ion accumulation times, utilizing existing ion gates, and maintaining accurate control over ion counts, thus enhancing mass analysis capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

electrostatic orbital traps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic trapping: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

electrostatic orbital traps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic trapping: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

ion optical devices arranged between the ion source and the C-Trap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic lensing: Electrostatic Lens

Data Source

PatentUS20250364238A1Ion accumulation control for analytical instrument

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 THERMO FISHER SCI BREMEN

AI summary

A method of operating an instrument which comprises a first and second ion stores, comprising determining whether a target accumulation time for the second ion store is greater than a threshold accumulation time. When the target accumulation time is less than the threshold accumulation time, ions are accumulated within the second ion store using an accumulation time that is based on the target accumulation time. When the target accumulation time is greater than the threshold accumulation time, ions are accumulated within the first ion store using a first accumulation time, the ions accumulated in the first ion store are passed to the second ion store, and further ions are accumulated within the second ion store using a second accumulation time.