Dual Opposing RF Electrode Ion Confinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion manipulation technologies face challenges in effectively confining and manipulating ions of the same or different polarities, particularly in creating efficient field-defined pathways and traps with minimal ion loss.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual pair of opposing electrode arrangements with RF electrodes, where each pair receives an unbiased RF voltage with alternate phases between adjacent electrodes, combined with traveling wave electrodes that receive variable DC voltages, to create confinement volumes that allow for the precise manipulation of ions in multiple directions, including perpendicular to the ion propagation axis, enabling the confinement of ions of opposite polarities with minimal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional ion manipulation technology is used, then ion manipulation capability is provided, but ion loss occurs during confinement and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fourth dimension of confinement by adding a second pair of opposing electrode arrangements that confine ions in a direction complementary to the first pair. This multi-dimensional confinement approach prevents ion loss by restricting ion movement in multiple directions simultaneously, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing the low ion loss characteristic.
2Reliability
If multiple electrode arrangements are added to improve confinement, then confinement effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode arrangements where the second pair of opposing electrodes is positioned and configured to provide confinement in a complementary direction to the first pair. This asymmetric multi-dimensional approach achieves effective confinement without requiring symmetric replication of complex electrode structures, thereby improving confinement effectiveness while controlling device complexity.
3Reliability
If RF electrodes with alternate phases are used, then ion confinement is achieved, but manipulation flexibility in multiple directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control by independently varying the RF voltage parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) for each of the two pairs of opposing electrode arrangements. This dynamic adjustability enables flexible manipulation of ions in multiple directions while maintaining reliable confinement, as the system can adapt electrode parameters to achieve desired ion trajectories and confinement states.
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 allows for lossless or substantially lossless storage and movement of ions, enabling extended confinement durations and efficient separation of ions with different mobilities, achieving confinement over a broad mass-to-charge range with minimal ion loss.
Implementation Method 1
each opposing electrode arrangement of the first pair including an arrangement of RF electrodes situated to receive an unbiased RF voltage having an alternate phase between adjacent RF electrodes of the arrangement of RF electrodes of the opposing electrode arrangement of the first pair so as to provide the confining of ions between the first pair of opposing electrode arrangements
Implementation Method 2
a traveling wave electrode arrangement situated between adjacent RF electrodes of the first pair of opposing electrode arrangements and that includes a plurality of traveling wave electrodes extending in a sequence parallel to the ion propagation direction so as to receive a variable DC voltage and to produce a corresponding traveling wave to move the ions along the ion propagation direction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first pair of opposing electrode arrangements that confine ions between them in a portion of a confinement volume inwardly laterally in a first confinement direction with respect to a longitudinal ion propagation direction, each opposing electrode arrangement including an arrangement of RF electrodes situated to receive an unbiased RF voltage having an alternate phase between adjacent RF electrodes of the arrangement of RF electrodes so as to provide the confining of ions between the first pair of opposing electrode arrangements, and a second pair of opposing electrode arrangements that confine the ions between the second pair in the confinement volume inwardly laterally in a second confinement direction that complements the first confinement direction, each opposing electrode arrangement of the second pair including an arrangement of RF electrodes that receive an unbiased RF voltage having an alternate phase between adjacent RF electrodes.