FAIMS Compensation Voltage Scanning for Multi-Fraction Ion Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field asymmetric-waveform ion-mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) devices typically limit ion species identification by allowing only one compensation voltage (CV) setting per scan, resulting in fewer identified ions compared to mass spectrometers without FAIMS, as ions not transmitting at the set CV are lost and cannot be identified.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically vary the compensation voltage (CV) applied to the FAIMS electrode during the opening period of the injection gate, allowing multiple CV fractions to be transmitted and analyzed in a single scan using a time-varying voltage waveform, such as a ramp, triangle, or sawtooth pattern, thereby increasing the number of ion species identified.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single compensation voltage setting is used in FAIMS device, then the signal-to-noise ratio is enhanced, but the number of identified ion species decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static single CV setting to a dynamic multi-CV scanning approach. The FAIMS device now varies the compensation voltage over time during the injection gate opening period, allowing multiple CV fractions to be transmitted sequentially. This dynamic voltage modulation enables the system to capture diverse ion species while maintaining optimal signal-to-noise ratios through controlled voltage transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the use of time-varying voltage waveforms (ramp, triangle, or sawtooth patterns) that cycle through multiple CV settings during each injection period. This periodic modulation of the compensation voltage allows the system to systematically explore different CV fractions and transmit multiple ion species groups to the mass analyzer in a structured, repeating sequence.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple CV fractions are transmitted in a single scan, then the number of identified ion species increases, but the complexity of voltage control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the compensation voltage parameter according to predefined time-varying waveforms. Instead of complex adaptive control, the system uses predetermined ramp, triangle, or sawtooth voltage patterns that automatically modulate the CV across multiple fractions. This approach simplifies the control architecture while enabling transmission of multiple ion species groups through controlled parameter evolution.
3Quantity of substance
If a dynamic compensation voltage is applied during injection gate opening, then the coverage of ion species increases, but the time for voltage stabilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the compensation voltage waveform patterns before the injection gate opens. The voltage transitions follow predetermined trajectories (ramp, triangle, or sawtooth patterns) that are prepared in advance, allowing the system to immediately begin transmitting multiple CV fractions without requiring stabilization time. This pre-planned voltage modulation eliminates delays associated with real-time voltage adjustments.
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 ion species identification by collectively scanning multiple CV fractions in a single scan, increasing the number of identified ions and improving the coverage of ion species across the CV range, while maintaining the cleanliness of the mass spectrometer.
Implementation Method 1
field asymmetric-waveform ion-mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) device can be used in conjunction with a mass spectrometer to transmit a different gas phase ion population into the mass spectrometer at each compensation voltage (CV) setting
Implementation Method 2
controller circuit configured to open the injection gate and apply a dynamic compensation voltage to an electrode of the FAIMS device while the injection gate is open
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collecting multiple compensation voltage fractions includes a field asymmetric-waveform ion-mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) device which receives ions generated from a sample, such as a biological sample. A mass spectrometer injection gate is configured to inject, when in an open state, ions transmitted by the FAIMS device into a mass analyzer of the mass spectrometer. A controller circuit is configured to open the injection gate and apply a dynamic compensation voltage (CV) to an electrode of the FAIMS device while the injection gate is open. The dynamic CV can have a waveform in the shape of a ramp, triangle, wavelet, sinusoid, or another shape. The dynamic CV includes CVs associated with multiple adjacent CV fractions, and the FAIMS device is configured to transmit the multiple adjacent CV fractions into the mass analyzer via the open injection gate to be scanned together by the mass analyzer in a single experiment.