High-Mass Particle Characterization Using Charge Envelope Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers have limited utility in analyzing high-mass particles (>1 MDa) due to the need for charge state resolution, which can be problematic for highly charged particles with close m/z ratios, often resulting in unresolvable charge states.
Innovation Solution
A method involving ionization, separation of ions using time-varying electric fields through a gas, measuring transit time, and identifying charge envelopes in the mass to charge ratio distribution to characterize high-mass particles without requiring high vacuum, high voltages, or precise voltage control, allowing for low-cost and simple analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometers are used to analyze high-mass particles, then mass information can be obtained, but charge state resolution is required which becomes problematic for highly charged particles with close m/z ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential information needed for particle characterization - the charge envelope (overall distribution of charge states) - rather than requiring resolution of individual charge states. This is achieved by detecting ions without the need to separate or resolve each charge state, thereby simplifying the measurement requirements while still providing sufficient characterization data for high-mass particles.
2Measurement precision
If high resolution mass analyzers are used to resolve charge states, then accurate mass information can be obtained, but the instrumentation becomes complex and costly requiring high vacuum, high voltages, and precise voltage control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial action by obtaining sufficient characterization information without achieving complete charge state resolution. By detecting the overall charge envelope rather than resolving individual charge states, the method provides adequate particle characterization while avoiding the complex instrumentation required for full resolution, thus achieving the necessary level of analysis with simpler means.
3Measurement precision
If charge state resolution is achieved for high-mass particles, then detailed mass information can be obtained, but the analysis becomes unfeasible due to sample heterogeneity and adducting rendering charge states unresolvable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential characterization information from the charge envelope distribution without requiring individual charge state resolution. This approach remains reliable even when sample heterogeneity and adducting prevent clear resolution of individual charge states, as the overall envelope shape and position still provide meaningful particle characterization data.
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
Enables characterization of high-mass particle mixtures using low-resolution mass analyzers, providing sufficient information through charge envelope resolution, reducing the need for complex and costly instrumentation.
Implementation Method 1
separating the ions according to mass to charge ratio by passing the ions through an ion separation device in which one or more time-varying electric fields is used to urge ions through a gas such that ions are separated according to mass to charge ratio
Implementation Method 2
ionising particles to as to produce ions
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analysing high-mass (>1 MDa) particles comprises ionising particles to as to produce ions, separating the ions according to mass to charge ratio by passing the ions through an ion separation device in which one or more time-varying electric fields is used to urge ions through a gas such that ions are separated according to mass to charge ratio, measuring the transit time of the ions through the ion separation device, and determining a drift time or mass to charge ratio distribution of the ions therefrom. The method further comprises identifying one or more charge envelopes in the drift time or mass to charge ratio distribution, and using the one or more charge envelopes to characterise the particles.