Electrostatic Ion Trap Coupling for High-Resolution Multistage MS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multistage mass spectrometry systems are costly, cumbersome, and inefficient, with poor resolution and complexity, hindering scientific and product development in life sciences.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer system with a primary ion path comprising quadrupoles and a bi-directional secondary ion path utilizing an electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) for ion analysis, allowing multiple passes and high-resolution ion isolation, coupled with a time-of-flight mass analyzer for enhanced sensitivity and dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional multistage mass spectrometry systems are used, then mass analysis capability is provided, but the system becomes costly, cumbersome, and complex with poor resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) with the time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzer into a unified system where the ELIT serves as both an ion accumulation device and a precursor for the TOF analyzer. This merging allows multistage mass spectrometry capabilities to be achieved within a single integrated instrument rather than requiring multiple separate devices, thereby improving resolution while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic linear ion trap is designed to perform multiple functions: ion accumulation, ion storage, ion cooling, and as a source for the TOF mass analyzer. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high-resolution mass analysis capabilities across multiple stages.
2Measurement precision
If conventional multistage mass spectrometry systems are used, then mass analysis is performed, but the systems are costly and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the ion trapping functionality with the TOF mass analysis in a single integrated system, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments that would be required in conventional multistage setups. This consolidation reduces both the overall system cost and the complexity of implementation while maintaining high-resolution mass analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic linear ion trap is designed as a universal component that can perform ion accumulation, storage, and cooling functions, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and simplifying system implementation.
3Measurement precision
If ions are processed through multiple stages, then resolution is improved, but processing time and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic linear ion trap performs preliminary ion accumulation and cooling before the ions enter the TOF mass analyzer. By preparing the ions in advance within the ELIT, the system ensures that when ions are transferred to the TOF analyzer, they are already organized and ready for rapid analysis, thereby maintaining high resolution while improving overall processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous ion processing by allowing the ELIT to accumulate ions continuously and transfer them to the TOF analyzer in a continuous manner. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between ion processing stages, maintaining high resolution through multiple analytical stages while maximizing productivity through uninterrupted ion flow.
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 system achieves high-resolution mass analysis, increased signal-to-noise ratio, and efficient ion processing, reducing development cycles and costs by enabling multiple ion passes and sophisticated ion processing while maintaining the characteristics of triple quad instruments.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary ion path coupled to the primary ion path utilizing turning elements. The secondary ion path may comprise an electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT)
Implementation Method 2
The primary ion path may comprise a time-of-flight mass analyzer
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for ion injection into an electrostatic trap. Various aspects of this disclosure provide a mass spectrometer system including a primary ion path including a plurality of quadrupoles; and a secondary ion path coupled to the primary ion path utilizing turning elements. The secondary ion path may include an electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT), the ELIT being operable to analyze ions diverted from the primary ion path and return them to the primary ion path. The primary ion path may include a time-of-flight mass analyzer. The secondary ion path may be bi-directional. Ions may travel in a first direction when coupled into the secondary ion path using a first turning element in the primary ion path and may travel in a second direction when coupled into the secondary ion path utilizing a second turning element in the primary ion path. The secondary ion path may include a collision quadrupole.