Electrode Extensions Reduce RF Coupling in Mass Spectrometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers experience performance degradation due to RF coupling between adjacent components, which leads to unwanted ion passage and reduced accuracy, as existing solutions like rotating components or using high voltage, physically attached capacitors are either ineffective or costly.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency component with electrode extensions that overlap adjacent components to cancel out external perturbations, reducing RF coupling and improving system performance by minimizing unwanted ion passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If high voltage, physically attached capacitors are used between adjacent RF components, then RF coupling is reduced, but manufacturing inconsistencies and temperature variations limit effectiveness and significantly increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the RF coupling suppression function from complex external components (high voltage capacitors) and implements it directly into the RF component structure itself through electrode extensions. This eliminates the need for separate capacitor components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the RF coupling suppression function with the existing electrode structure by adding extensions to the electrodes. This combines multiple functions (RF signal generation and RF coupling suppression) into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate capacitor assemblies and reducing overall system complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If RF components are rotated along a shared central axis to minimize RF coupling, then RF coupling is reduced, but performance degrades due to mismatch between exit ion pattern and entrance acceptance field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by extending electrodes to create opposing electric fields that preemptively counteract RF coupling effects before they can interfere with adjacent components. This active suppression method eliminates the need for rotational adjustment while maintaining both RF coupling reduction and performance integrity.
3Volume of moving object
If RF components are placed in close proximity, then system compactness is improved, but RF coupling between components increases causing unwanted perturbations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses extended electrodes as intermediary elements between adjacent RF components. These extensions create electric field zones that act as mediators to suppress RF coupling interactions, enabling close component placement without harmful interference.
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 electrode extension design effectively reduces RF coupling, enhancing the accuracy and performance of mass spectrometers by minimizing external perturbations, thereby improving the mass selectivity and ion transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode extension is configured to overlap a portion of a proximate electrode of a second radio frequency component. This overlapping configuration creates electric field interaction that cancels external perturbations and reduces RF coupling between the two components.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency component for use in a mass spectrometer is described. The radio frequency component includes a plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes is configured around a central axis to create an ion channel within the plurality of electrodes. In addition, each of the plurality of electrodes is paired with an opposing electrode across the central axis. And, at least one electrode pair has an electrode extension on each electrode. The electrode extension is configured to overlap at least a portion of a proximate electrode of a second radio frequency component.