Electrode Length Variation for Axial Potential Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for manipulating ions in mass spectrometers face complexity in achieving desired electric potential profiles, especially when requiring pulsed fields, due to the difficulty in accurately manufacturing capacitors with different capacitances and the resulting discontinuities in electric fields.
Innovation Solution
The method involves varying the lengths of electrodes along a device's longitudinal axis to establish a desired axial potential profile, using DC voltage supplies to apply and pulse voltages, eliminating the need for numerous resistors or capacitors with specific values, and allowing for non-linear potential profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If different capacitors with different capacitances are used to achieve desired potential profile, then the desired electric field distribution is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of electrode length instead of using capacitors with different capacitances. By varying the length of each electrode along the longitudinal axis, the desired potential profile is achieved through geometric variation rather than electrical component variation, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the capacitor components from the system. Instead of using capacitors to control potential distribution, the invention uses directly connected electrodes of varying lengths, removing the need for complex capacitive networks and their associated manufacturing tolerances
2Manufacturing precision
If numerous resistors or capacitors with different values are used to maintain desired potential profile, then accurate potential control is achieved, but the number of components and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the length parameter of electrodes to achieve different potentials. This geometric approach replaces the need for multiple resistors or capacitors with different electrical values, making the manufacturing process simpler as it relies on mechanical dimensioning rather than precise electrical component assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple capacitors or resistors into a single continuous electrode structure. By making electrodes of varying lengths that are directly connected, the invention combines what would have been separate capacitive or resistive elements into one integrated component, simplifying manufacturing
3Manufacturing precision
If electrodes are arranged to closely mimic boundary conditions for desired bulk field, then accurate electric field relaxation is achieved, but the number of electrodes and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous variation of electrode length as the primary parameter to control the electric field distribution. This approach provides smooth transitions and accurate field relaxation without requiring a large number of discrete electrodes, thereby maintaining bulk field accuracy while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces length variation along the longitudinal axis as an additional dimensional parameter for controlling the electric field. Instead of adding more electrodes in the transverse direction, the invention uses the longitudinal dimension to achieve field control, reducing the number of electrodes needed
4Ease of operation
If capacitive dividers are used to provide different voltages to electrodes for pulsed fields, then pulsed potential profile is achieved, but the tolerance and accuracy of capacitance values become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses variable electrode length instead of variable capacitance to achieve pulsed field potentials. By controlling the length of electrodes during pulsing operations, the system avoids the manufacturing tolerance issues associated with capacitors, as length can be controlled more precisely during fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes capacitive dividers from the pulsed field generation system. By using directly connected electrodes of varying lengths that can be independently voltage-controlled, the invention eliminates the need for precision capacitors, thereby achieving pulsed field capability without capacitance accuracy problems
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 simplifies the manufacturing process, achieves accurate and smooth electric fields in the bulk of the device, and enables the creation of pulsed electric fields with higher order potential profiles, improving the operation of mass spectrometers by reducing complexity and increasing precision.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of electrodes arranged along the longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the lengths of the electrodes in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the device vary as a function of the distance along the longitudinal axis of the device
Data Source
Figure 1~2D
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a device for manipulating charged particles using an axial electric field as they travel along a longitudinal axis of the device is disclosed. The method comprises providing first electrodes of different lengths, supplying different voltages to these electrodes and arranging grounded electrodes between the first electrodes in order to form the desired axial potential profile.