Ion Analyzer Plasma Ignition for Stable Radical Dissociation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radical-induced dissociation methods in mass spectrometry face challenges in generating a stable electric discharge when switching source gases, leading to inconsistent radical generation and analysis efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An ion analyzer and method that include a gas supplier, generation chamber, power supplier, and controller to selectively initiate an electric discharge by mixing easier-to-discharge gases with harder-to-discharge gases, then switching to the harder-to-discharge gas once plasma is ignited.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrogen gas is used as source gas to generate hydrogen radicals, then the reducing effect and oxide film removal capability are improved, but the electric discharge stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-mixing hydrogen gas with a buffer gas (nitrogen or helium) before introducing the mixture to the plasma generation region. This preliminary mixing ensures that when hydrogen is supplied, it is already combined with a gas that promotes stable electric discharge, preventing discharge instability before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer gas (nitrogen or helium) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the hydrogen source and the plasma generation region. This intermediary gas mediates the electric discharge process by providing a more stable discharge environment while still allowing hydrogen radicals to be generated and reach the ion trap region
2Productivity
If steam is used as source gas to generate hydroxyl and oxygen radicals, then the radical generation efficiency is improved, but the electric discharge stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-mixing steam with a buffer gas (nitrogen or helium) before introducing the mixture to the plasma generation region. This preliminary mixing ensures that when steam is supplied for efficient radical generation, it is already combined with a gas that promotes stable electric discharge
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer gas (nitrogen or helium) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the steam source and the plasma generation region. This intermediary gas mediates the electric discharge process by providing a more stable discharge environment while still allowing steam to generate hydroxyl and oxygen radicals efficiently
3Adaptability or versatility
If source gas type is switched to change radical species, then the analysis versatility is improved, but the electric discharge stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer gas (nitrogen or helium) serves as a universal component that works with all source gas types (hydrogen, steam, etc.). This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain stable electric discharge regardless of which source gas is being used, enabling versatile radical species selection without compromising discharge stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-mixing any source gas with a buffer gas before introducing it to the plasma generation region. This preliminary mixing with a universal buffer gas ensures that when source gas type is switched to change radical species, the electric discharge remains stable
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
Ensures stable electric discharge and radical generation regardless of the source gas, allowing for efficient dissociation and analysis of ions in mass spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
a power supplier configured to supply electric power for generating an electric discharge within the generation chamber
Implementation Method 2
generating an electric discharge in a stable form in a radical generation device and satisfactorily supplying the radicals
Data Source
AI summary
In an ion analyzer which dissociates an ion using a radical generated from a source gas, a gas supplier (26) supplies the source gas by selecting a gas from multiple kinds of gases and/or mixing two or more of those gases. The source gas is introduced into a generation chamber (210). A power supplier (25) supplies electric power for generating electric discharge within the generation chamber. A controller (3) controls those two suppliers as follows: When the radical is to be generated from a first gas through which electric discharge is relatively difficult to occur, the electric discharge is initiated by supplying electric power into the generation chamber while a second gas through which electric discharge occurs more easily is selected or mixed with the first gas and supplied to the generation chamber. After the electric discharge is initiated, the first gas is selectively supplied to the generation chamber.