Ion Abundance Augmentation in Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry techniques for MSn experiments face limitations in detection limits and ion transport efficiency due to the need for multiple stages and devices, leading to ion losses and increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cyclical method where ions are stored and ejected between a first ion storage device and an ion selection device, with fragment ions stored in a second device without passing back through the selection device, allowing for repeated cycles to augment ion abundance and reduce the number of required devices, improving detection limits and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ions are passed through multiple stages and devices in conventional mass spectrometry, then mass analysis and fragmentation can be achieved, but ion losses increase and detection limits worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate devices (ion source, mass analyzer, fragmentation cell, ion trap) into a single integrated ion trap device. The ion trap simultaneously performs ion storage, mass analysis, and fragmentation functions, eliminating the need for ions to pass through multiple separate stages and reducing ion losses at each transfer interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion trap device is designed to perform multiple functions: storing ions, analyzing ions by mass-to-charge ratio, fragmenting selected ions, and trapping fragment ions. This multi-functional approach replaces the conventional sequence of separate specialized devices, improving ion efficiency while maintaining analytical capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for ion storage and analysis, then specialized functions can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple specialized devices into a single ion trap apparatus that performs ion storage, mass analysis, and fragmentation. This reduces the total number of devices and interconnections required, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the necessary functional versatility through clever use of the ion trap's capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion trap device is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple mass spectrometry functions (storage, analysis, fragmentation) that traditionally required separate specialized devices. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while preserving adaptability for different experimental configurations.
3Productivity
If ions are repeatedly transferred between multiple devices, then MSn experiments can be performed, but ion transport efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the ion storage, analysis, and fragmentation functions into a single ion trap device, the patent eliminates the need for repeated ion transfers between separate devices. Ions remain confined within the ion trap throughout the MSn experiment sequence, dramatically improving ion transport efficiency and reducing losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion trap uses periodic application of radiofrequency voltages to confine and manipulate ions in a cyclic manner. This periodic action allows ions to be stored, selected, fragmented, and re-trapped repeatedly without physical transfer, enabling MSn experiments while maintaining high ion efficiency.
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 enhances detection limits by minimizing ion losses and reducing the number of devices needed, improving ion transport efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly for low-abundance ions, while allowing for more complex MSn experiments with increased duty cycle.
Implementation Method 1
storing the sample ions in a first ion storage device
Implementation Method 2
selecting and ejecting ions of a chosen mass to charge ratio out of the ion selection device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of improving the detection limits of a mass spectrometer by: generating sample ions from an ion source; storing the sample ions in a first ion storage device; ejecting the stored ions into an ion selection device; selecting and ejecting ions of a chosen mass to charge ratio out of the ion selection device; storing the ions ejected from the ion selection device in a second ion storage device without passing them back through the ion selection device; repeating the preceding steps so as to augment the ions of the said chosen mass to charge ratio stored in the second ion storage device; and transferring the augmented ions of the said chosen mass to charge ratio back to the first ion storage device for subsequent analysis.