Impactor Ion Source Using High Velocity Droplet Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimode ion sources for mass spectrometry are mechanically complex and suffer from lower sensitivities due to divergent spray geometries, which hinder efficient ionization of analyte mixtures with a wide range of polarities.
Innovation Solution
An ion source design featuring a close-coupled impactor nebuliser with a micro target positioned near the sprayer tip, emitting a high-density droplet stream that impacts the target at a high velocity, creating a glancing angle geometry to enhance ionization efficiency and reduce beam divergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a broad area charged target plate is used in SACI ion source, then the ionization area is increased, but the spray becomes divergent and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a small localized target area (0.5-2.0 mm diameter) rather than a broad area target, concentrating the ionization process in a focused region to maintain spray coherence and high sensitivity while achieving universal ionization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the SACI approach of using a large two-dimensional target plate to a three-dimensional configuration where a small target is positioned in close proximity (1-10 mm) to the spray point, creating a compact impactor geometry that maintains beam focus
2Length of stationary object
If the distance between spray point and target is increased to 70 mm in SACI, then the target can be positioned away from the ion inlet, but the spray becomes divergent and sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by positioning the target at an optimized intermediate distance (1-10 mm) rather than the full 70 mm SACI distance or direct contact, achieving the right balance between allowing sufficient spray development and maintaining high density coherent beam for sensitivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If ESI and APCI are combined in multimode ion sources, then both polar and non-polar analytes can be ionized, but the device becomes mechanically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by creating a single impactor ion source configuration that can ionize both polar and non-polar analytes through the universal mechanism of droplet impact and solvent evaporation, eliminating the need for separate ESI and APCI systems while maintaining versatility across different analyte types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of ESI and APCI into a single unified impactor ion source, combining the advantages of both techniques (ability to handle polar and non-polar analytes) into one mechanically simple device that uses droplet impact and thermal energy for universal ionization
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 design results in a high-sensitivity API source capable of efficiently ionizing both high and low polarity analytes without the need to switch techniques, offering improved sensitivity compared to conventional SACI and API sources.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a high-density droplet stream that impacts the target at a high velocity
Implementation Method 2
creating a glancing angle geometry to enhance ionization efficiency
Implementation Method 3
reagent ions which are created may react, interact with or transfer charge to neutral analyte molecules and cause the analyte molecules to become ionised
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An ion source is disclosed comprising a nebuliser 1 and a target 10. The nebuliser 1 is arranged and adapted to emit, in use, a stream of analyte droplets which are caused to impact upon the target 10 and to ionise analyte to form a plurality of analyte ions.