Gate Electrode Ion Filtering for Mass Spectrometer Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tandem mass spectrometers, ions outside the targeted mass-to-charge ratio overlap with desired ions, reducing peak resolution due to the emission of unnecessary ions towards the detector.
Innovation Solution
A gate electrode is introduced behind the ion trap to selectively allow only ions within a specific mass-to-charge ratio to enter the acceleration region, reducing unnecessary ions and enhancing kinetic energy for mass separation, thereby improving analysis precision and reducing background noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an ion trap is used to accumulate ions within a specific mass-to-charge ratio, then the quantity of ions is increased, but ions outside the targeted ratio also enter the detector causing peak overlap and reduced resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ion filtering process into two stages: first the ion trap accumulates ions by mass-to-charge ratio, then the gate electrode performs a second segmentation to exclude ions outside the targeted ratio. This multi-stage segmentation allows selective passage of desired ions while blocking unwanted ions, resolving the contradiction between ion quantity and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The gate electrode acts as an intermediary component between the ion trap and detector. It mediates the ion flow by selectively allowing only ions within the targeted mass-to-charge ratio to pass through while blocking others, thus improving peak resolution without completely eliminating the ion accumulation function
2Measurement precision
If a gate electrode is added to filter ions, then the resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate electrode is designed to perform multiple functions: it filters ions by mass-to-charge ratio, controls ion timing for improved resolution, and can be integrated with existing ion trap structures. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing several benefits from a single element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the gate electrode function with the existing ion trap and detector system, merging multiple functions into an integrated mass spectrometer configuration. This reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent components for each function
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 configuration enhances the resolution of mass spectrometry by limiting unnecessary ions, ensuring precise analysis and reducing background interference, especially when using mass chromatograms.
Implementation Method 1
the gate electrode can be switched at high speed. This makes it possible to provide ions with the kinetic energy that is sufficient for mass separation
Implementation Method 2
a method for measuring a difference in flight time (time-of-flight mass spectrometer)
Implementation Method 3
by applying a constant high-frequency current between electrodes of the quadrupole mass spectrometer, which are opposed to each other, or between ring and end-cap electrodes of an ion trap, it is possible to accumulate ions in the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a mass spectrometer that uses a time-of-flight mass spectrometer for performing mass spectrometry on the basis of the difference in flight time based on mass of desired ions, and that is suitable for improving the sensitivity and analysis precision of the mass spectrometer. A gate electrode is located at a stage before an acceleration region that is located before an emitter for emitting ions. This gate electrode is capable of applying the voltage that is set on a mass-number region basis, and is also capable of separating desired ions to be measured on the basis of the mass number by switching the gate electrode at high speed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the resolution.