Imaging Mass Spectrometer Multi-Spot Laser Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry methods for analyzing biological samples are time-consuming, requiring multiple measurements at spaced-apart spots, which is inefficient and competitive for expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
An imaging mass spectrometer that simultaneously provides energy to multiple spots on a sample using a laser at an angle perpendicular to the surface, with grid electrodes to focus ions and a Time Of Flight (TOF) analyzer to detect arrival time and spot origin of ions, enabling parallel analysis of multiple spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are made at spaced apart spots to determine the composition of the whole sample, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample plate is divided into multiple discrete spots that can be independently irradiated. The laser system is segmented into multiple beams that simultaneously target different spots, allowing parallel analysis of multiple sample regions without compromising measurement precision while significantly reducing total analysis time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple laser beams are combined to simultaneously irradiate multiple spots on the sample plate. The ion detection system merges signals from all spots, enabling comprehensive composition analysis of the entire sample in a single measurement cycle, thereby eliminating the time-consuming sequential measurement process
2Measurement precision
If a laser is used to ionize the sample by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A microlens array is introduced as an intermediary optical element that receives laser energy from a single source and automatically distributes it into multiple focused beams. This intermediary component simplifies the overall laser system architecture by eliminating the need for multiple independent laser sources while maintaining the precision required for MALDI ionization at each spot
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical system of multiple independent laser sources is replaced with a single laser source combined with an optical microlens array system. This substitution maintains the functional capability of simultaneous multi-spot irradiation while significantly reducing device complexity and cost
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 significantly reduces analysis time by allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple spots, increasing sample throughput and improving efficiency in mass spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
energy source adapted to substantially simultaneously provide energy to multiple spots on a sample to produce ions from the sample by a desorption process; Desorption of the ions can occur by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption lonisation
Implementation Method 2
one or more grid electrodes to focus the ions resulting from the desorption process
Implementation Method 3
an analyser adapted to detect the arrival time and spot origin of ions resulting from said desorption process; The analyser can comprise a TOF
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging mass spectrometer comprising an energy source adapted to substantially simultaneously provide energy to multiple spots on a sample to produce ions from the sample by a desorption process; and an analyzer adapted to detect the arrival time and spot origin of ions resulting from said desorption process.