Dynamic Ion Filter Deflects Abundant Ions to Prevent Detector Saturation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers face challenges in detecting low-concentration substances in complex samples due to saturation of detectors and limited sensitivity, leading to many substances being below the detection limit.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that selectively deflects highly concentrated ions from the ion beam using a controllable ion optical system, based on flight time, to increase the detection of low-concentration substances by preventing them from reaching the detector, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the mass spectrometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometry is used to analyze complex samples, then the detection of high-concentration ions is achieved, but the detection of low-concentration substances is limited due to detector saturation and low sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the ion beam analysis by spatially separating ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio using a reflectron. The reflectron creates different flight paths for different ion types, allowing high-concentration ions to be detected in one region while low-concentration ions are detected in another region, preventing detector saturation and improving detection sensitivity for trace substances
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectron acts as an intermediary device between the ion source and detector. It introduces a spatial separation mechanism that mediates the interaction between high-concentration and low-concentration ions, allowing both to be detected without the high-concentration ions overwhelming the detector
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dynamic range of ion concentrations in complex samples is increased, then more substances can be analyzed, but the detection limit for low-concentration substances remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reflectron segments the ion detection process into spatial zones, allowing simultaneous detection of ions across a wide dynamic range. High-concentration ions are spatially separated from low-concentration ions, enabling the system to maintain high detection sensitivity for trace substances while analyzing complex samples with varying ion concentrations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to the detection process by using the reflectron to create position-dependent detection. Ions are detected at different positions along the flight path based on their mass-to-charge ratio, enabling simultaneous measurement across a wide dynamic range while maintaining high sensitivity for low-concentration substances
3Adaptability or versatility
If tandem mass spectrometry with spatial analyzers is used, then specific ions can be fragmented for analysis, but the overall detection sensitivity for low-concentration substances is not sufficiently improved
Solution Approach 1:
The reflectron segments the ion beam spatially before detection, allowing low-concentration ions to be separated from the background of high-concentration ions. This spatial segmentation enhances detection sensitivity for low-concentration substances while maintaining the ability to perform ion fragmentation analysis
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 significantly increases the detection possibilities of low-concentration substances in complex samples, improving the metrological capabilities of mass spectrometry, especially in medical diagnostics, by allowing more low-concentration ions to be identified and analyzed.
Implementation Method 1
a unit for creating an electric field for accelerating the ions of the ion beam along a flight path of predefinable length
Implementation Method 2
a controllable ion optical system which delimits the flight path in one direction and which deflects selected ions from the flight path of the ion beam
Implementation Method 3
The different ions contained in the ion beam are thus separated on the basis of different flight times
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device for filtering at least one selected ion from an ion beam includes a unit for creating an electric field for accelerating the ions of the ion beam along a flight path of predefinable length, and a controllable ion optical system, which delimits the flight path in one direction, and which is used to deflect the selected ion from a flight path of the ion beam. The device is further designed to control the ion optical system subject to a flight time of the selected ion along the flight path. The present disclosure also relates to a mass spectrometer having a device according to the present disclosure, and to a method for filtering at least one selected ion from an ion beam.