Automated Mass Spectrometry Method Generation for ICP-MS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating mass spectrometry methods in ICP mass spectrometry apparatuses are labor-intensive and dependent on user experience, lacking automation for unknown or complex samples, and do not enable the automatic creation of a comprehensive measurement method.
Innovation Solution
A process that automatically creates a mass spectrometry method by semi-quantitatively measuring elements, determining plasma conditions, selecting internal standards, tuning collision/reaction cell conditions, and setting mass-to-charge ratios and integration times based on signal strengths and concentrations, using a computer program to execute these steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a user manually determines measurement conditions based on preset methods and measurement results, then measurement accuracy can be maintained for known samples, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming especially for unknown or complex samples
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining measurement conditions without requiring user intervention. The computer automatically selects plasma conditions, gas flow rates, and other parameters based on semi-quantitative analysis results, eliminating the need for manual method creation while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary semi-quantitative analysis of the sample before final measurement to pre-determine optimal measurement conditions. This preliminary action includes analyzing element concentrations and interference levels to establish appropriate plasma power, gas flow rates, and collision/reaction cell conditions before the actual quantitative measurement
2Ease of operation
If preset methods are used for conventional samples, then measurement process is simplified, but the methods are not applicable to unknown samples or samples with complex matrices
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes measurement parameters based on sample characteristics. By performing semi-quantitative analysis first, the system determines element concentrations and interference levels, then adjusts plasma power, gas flow rates, and collision/reaction cell conditions accordingly to optimize measurement for each specific sample type
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from semi-quantitative analysis results to automatically adjust measurement conditions. The computer analyzes the preliminary data on element concentrations and interference levels, then uses this feedback to determine optimal plasma conditions, gas flow rates, and other parameters for the subsequent quantitative measurement
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement conditions are tested to optimize for different sample types, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the complexity of method creation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical method creation with automated computer-based determination. The computer automatically analyzes semi-quantitative results and calculates optimal measurement conditions, eliminating the need for users to manually test multiple conditions and reducing the complexity of method creation while maintaining measurement accuracy
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 rapid and accurate creation of multiple mass spectrometry methods suitable for various samples, reducing the need for repeated measurements and allowing users to determine quantitative values with increased efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
supplies a sample to be measured to plasma to ionize elements in the sample
Implementation Method 2
uses inductively-coupled argon plasma as an ionization source
Implementation Method 3
separated and measured depending on the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z)
Implementation Method 4
introduces thereinto a reactive gas with a relatively small molecular weight such as hydrogen or an inert gas such as helium to selectively neutralize polyatomic molecule ions in the introduced ion beam by reaction with gas molecules
Implementation Method 5
cause the loss of kinetic energy by collision, thereby preventing the interference to measured signals
Data Source
AI summary
A process for automatically creating a measurement method suitable for plasma ion source mass spectrometry, including: semi-quantitatively measuring all elements in the sample that affect the measurement; determining a plasma condition based on the total concentration of the semi-quantitatively measured elements; for each of the semi-quantitatively measured elements, estimating signal strengths of the element and an interference component in the sample to be measured and based on the resultant estimates, estimating the concentration of the element; and, based on the estimated signal strengths of the elements and the interference components and the estimated concentrations of the elements, creating at least one mass spectrometry method including at least one of: (1) a plasma condition; (2) an internal standard to be added to the sample; (3) a tuning condition for the collision/reaction cell; (4) a mass-to-charge ratio used in the mass spectrometer; and (5) an integration time used in the mass spectrometer.