Hybrid Mass Spectrometer Ion Drift Time Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid ion mobility separation-mass spectrometry instruments inaccurately measure ion drift times due to neglecting ion transit times through intermediate regions, leading to misestimated drift times and reduced precision in analyzing complex samples.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines and corrects for ion transit times through intermediate regions by using a control system to obtain accurate drift times, involving equations and empirical relationships between ion characteristics and transit times, allowing for precise measurement of ion mobilities and collision cross sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ion transit times through intermediate regions are neglected in conventional hybrid IMS-MS instruments, then the instrument structure remains simple and operation is straightforward, but drift time measurements become inaccurate and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring and storing transit times through intermediate regions before drift time measurements are performed. The system pre-determines the time ions spend in intermediate pressure regions and uses this information to correct subsequent drift time measurements, thereby improving accuracy without adding complexity to the core measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction mechanism that acts as a mediator between the raw drift time measurement and the final accurate result. By calculating transit times through intermediate regions and using these as correction factors, the system bridges the gap between simple measurement and high precision without requiring fundamental changes to the instrument architecture
2Measurement precision
If transit time correction is implemented to improve drift time accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the complexity of data processing and calculation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and storage of transit times through intermediate regions before actual drift time analysis. By pre-determining these correction values and storing them for later use, the patent reduces the computational burden during actual measurements while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where measured transit times are used to correct drift time measurements. The system continuously refines accuracy by using previously measured parameters to adjust and improve subsequent measurements, creating a self-correcting measurement process
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 provides more accurate determination of ion drift times and mobilities, improving the analysis of complex samples by accounting for transit times through intermediate regions, enhancing the precision of mass spectrometry measurements.
Implementation Method 1
separating ions temporally in a first device... obtaining a first set of drift times for the ions through the first device by measuring ion arrival times
Implementation Method 2
analysing the mass or mass to charge ratio of the ions or of product or fragment ions derived from the ions in a mass or mass to charge ratio analyser
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising separating ions temporally in a first device 5 and analysing the mass or mass to charge ratio of the ions or of product or fragment ions derived from the ions in a mass or mass to charge ratio analyser 8 disposed downstream of the first device 5. The method further comprises obtaining a first set of drift times for the ions through the first device 5 by measuring ion arrival times and determining the transit time of the ions and/or of the product or fragment ions through one or more intermediate regions or devices 6, 7 disposed between the first device 5 and the mass to charge ratio analyser 8. The method further comprises obtaining a second set of drift times for the ions through the first device 5 by correcting the first set of drift times to account for the determined transit times.