Ion Analyzer Spatial Path Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion analyzers face interference issues between the laser light irradiation path and the ion flight path, which affects the detection of ions generated from the sample.
Innovation Solution
An ion analyzer configuration that includes a sample placement unit, an excitation beam irradiation unit perpendicular to the sample surface, a deflection unit to divert ions away from the irradiation path, and an analysis unit to measure the deflected ions, preventing interference and enhancing spatial resolution and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the laser light path and ion flight path are shared in the housing, then the device structure is simplified, but interference between laser light and flying ions occurs during ion detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dimensionality change by separating the laser light path and ion flight path into different spatial dimensions. The laser beam enters through a light entrance window and travels along one path, while ions are extracted through an ion extraction hole and travel along a different path. This spatial separation in different dimensions eliminates interference between the two beams while maintaining a relatively compact device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is segmented into distinct functional regions: a light entrance window for laser beam entry, an ion extraction hole for ion extraction, and separate paths for light and ion transmission. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path and prevents interference between laser light and ions during detection.
2Productivity
If the sample is irradiated with laser light to generate ions, then ion generation efficiency is improved, but interference between the irradiation path and ion flight path affects detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ion flight path from the laser light path by providing a separate ion extraction hole positioned at an angle to the light entrance window. Ions generated from sample irradiation are extracted through this separate hole and guided along an independent path to the mass spectrometry unit, eliminating interference while preserving efficient ion generation from laser irradiation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mass spectrometry is performed by scanning the laser light across the sample surface, then material distribution analysis is enabled, but the interference problem between light and ion paths persists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables imaging mass spectrometry by allowing laser light to scan across the sample surface while ions are extracted through a separately positioned ion extraction hole. The spatial separation in different dimensions allows the laser beam to move across the sample for imaging analysis without interfering with the ion flight path to the mass spectrometry unit.
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 configuration prevents interference between the laser light and ion paths, allowing for high-efficiency ion generation and detection, and enables a compact design by separating the excitation beam optical system from the analysis unit.
Implementation Method 1
a laser desorption/ionization (LDI) method. In the LDI method, a surface of a sample is irradiated with laser light, where molecules of the sample are excited and ionized by the energy of the laser light
Implementation Method 2
a deflection unit configured to make at least some of ions generated from the sample to fly in a direction deviating from an irradiation path of the excitation beam
Data Source
AI summary
An ion analyzer includes: a sample placement unit 2 on which a sample 1 is to be placed; an excitation beam irradiation unit 3 that irradiates the sample 1 placed on the sample placement unit 2 with an excitation beam in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the sample 1; a deflection unit 6 that makes at least some of ions generated from the sample 1 to fly in a direction deviating from an irradiation path of the excitation beam; and an analysis unit 8 disposed in a flight direction of ions deflected by the deflection unit 6, that separates and measures the ions in accordance with a predetermined physical quantity.