Electrostatic Gimbal for Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The resolution of Time of Flight mass spectrometers is limited by optical misalignment between components, particularly in orthogonal acceleration instruments, leading to reduced mass resolution due to mechanical misalignment of ion-optical components.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of supplementary acceleration or deceleration stages with inclined grid electrodes that adjust the time of flight characteristics of ions to counteract misalignment errors, allowing for electrical correction of tilt in isochronous planes and improving spatial focusing without requiring precise mechanical alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise mechanical alignment of ion-optical components is maintained, then mass resolution is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system with an electrostatic correction system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical positioning of ion-optical components, the invention uses electrostatic fields generated by correction electrodes to compensate for misalignment effects. This substitution of mechanical precision requirements with electrical control achieves the same resolution improvement while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the mass spectrometer by introducing adjustable electrostatic fields. By varying the voltage on correction electrodes, the system dynamically compensates for misalignment without requiring physical repositioning of components. This parameter-based correction allows mass resolution to be maintained through electrical adjustment rather than mechanical precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical alignment tolerances are relaxed, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but mass resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of mechanical misalignment into a beneficial correction opportunity. By intentionally designing in misalignment compensation capability through electrostatic fields, the system allows broader mechanical tolerances while maintaining resolution. The misalignment that would normally degrade performance is instead used as the basis for applying corrective electrostatic fields that restore optimal ion focusing.
3Measurement precision
If electrostatic correction fields are applied, then misalignment compensation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal correction system where the same electrostatic field mechanism can correct multiple types of misalignment (tilt in different directions, focal plane shifts) simultaneously. The correction electrodes serve multiple functions: they can adjust the isochronous plane orientation, compensate for detector misalignment, and maintain focal positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate correction mechanisms for each type of error.
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 enhances mass spectrometer resolution by compensating for mechanical misalignments, relaxing construction tolerances and reducing costs, while maintaining high-resolution performance by adjusting ion flight times to achieve optimal focusing.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of supplementary acceleration or deceleration stages with inclined grid electrodes that adjust the time of flight characteristics of ions to counteract misalignment errors
Implementation Method 2
The one or more devices are arranged and adapted to correct for tilt in one or more isochronous planes of ions having particular mass to charge ratios
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A Time of Flight mass analyser is disclosed comprising one or more devices arranged and adapted to correct for tilt in an isochronous plane of ions and to adjust the isochronous plane of the ions so as to be parallel with the plane of detection in an ion detector.