Ion Mobility Spectrometry Feedback Control for Stable Ionization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) devices face challenges in stabilizing the generation of primary ions and achieving quantitative measurement due to variations in environmental conditions and the life characteristics of electron emission elements, leading to unstable analysis results.
Innovation Solution
An analysis device incorporating an electron emission element with a bottom electrode, surface electrode, and intermediate layer, along with a controller to regulate voltage and form an electric field, allowing for stabilization of primary ion generation and ionization capability by measuring and adjusting the current waveform of anions, enabling quantitative measurement of specimen gas components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an electron emission element is used as an ionization source, then the ionization capability is improved and soft ionization is achieved, but the generation amount of primary ions varies depending on environmental conditions and element characteristics, leading to unstable analysis results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the generation amount of primary ions is detected (through monitoring ion current or signal intensity) and used to automatically adjust operating parameters such as electron emission current or ion drift field strength. This closed-loop control compensates for variations due to environmental conditions and element aging, maintaining stable analysis results throughout the device lifetime.
2Speed
If conventional IMS analysis is performed focusing on component analysis, then quick responsiveness is achieved, but quantitative measurement of specimen gas components cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces quantitative measurement capability by monitoring and utilizing parameters related to ion generation amount and detection signal intensity. By measuring absolute ion currents or signal areas in addition to ion mobility characteristics, the system can determine both the identity and concentration of specimen gas components, enabling quantitative analysis while maintaining the quick responsiveness inherent to IMS technology.
3Ease of operation
If voltage is applied to the electron emission element under the same conditions, then consistent operation is expected, but the generation amount of primary ions varies due to temperature, humidity, and element life characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static voltage application approach to a dynamic control system where operating parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time feedback from ion generation monitoring. This allows the system to compensate for environmental variations and element aging, maintaining stable primary ion generation despite changes in temperature, humidity, or element characteristics over time.
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
The device stabilizes the generation of primary ions and enhances the accuracy of ionization, allowing for reliable quantitative analysis of specimen gas components by regulating the voltage based on current waveform feedback, thereby improving measurement stability and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
an air component is initially ionized by electrons emitted from the electron emission element to generate primary ions
Implementation Method 2
electrons emitted from the electron emission element move toward the collector
Implementation Method 3
an air component is initially ionized by electrons emitted from the electron emission element to generate primary ions
Implementation Method 4
The electric field former forms an electric field in an ion movement region where anions directly or indirectly generated by electrons emitted from the electron emission element move toward the collector
Implementation Method 5
measuring the ion mobility in a gas
Implementation Method 6
The collector and the controller allow measurement of a current waveform of an electric current made to flow by arrival of anions at the collector
Implementation Method 7
The power source and the controller allow application of a voltage between the bottom electrode and the surface electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis device includes an electron emission element, a collector, an electric field former, a power source, and a controller. The electron emission element includes a bottom electrode, a surface electrode, and an intermediate layer arranged between the bottom electrode and the surface electrode. The power source and the controller allow application of a voltage between the bottom electrode and the surface electrode. The electric field former forms an electric field in an ion movement region where anions directly or indirectly generated by electrons emitted from the electron emission element move toward the collector. The collector and the controller allow measurement of a current waveform of an electric current made to flow by arrival of anions at the collector. The controller regulates, based on the current waveform, a voltage applied between the bottom electrode and the surface electrode.