Mass Spectrometer Ion Beam Homogenization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mass spectrometry experiments face challenges with temporally modulated ion beams, which can reduce dynamic range and hinder sampling due to temporal variations and synchronization issues with downstream devices, particularly in instruments with short transmission windows.

Innovation Solution

A method involving scanning a device parameter over a range of values with a short cycle time, followed by downstream homogenization using a gas-filled homogenization device or ion trap to convert temporally modulated components into a substantially continuous or pseudo-continuous ion beam, thereby removing or altering the temporal modulation before recording the mass spectrum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a parameter of the first device is scanned over a range of values with a cycle time T1 during a single spectrum production cycle, then different components are transmitted through or produced in the first device at different values of the parameter providing broader ion fragmentation coverage, but a temporal modulation or profile is introduced to the components which reduces the dynamic range of the mass analyzer and hinders sampling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion fragmentation coverageVSAvoiddynamic range

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ion beam is segmented into multiple temporally modulated components corresponding to different parameter values, then recombined after homogenization to achieve comprehensive coverage while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A homogenization device acts as an intermediary between the first device and the mass analyzer, removing temporal modulation from the ion beam while preserving the benefits of parameter scanning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a temporal modulation or profile is introduced to the components by scanning the parameter, then broader ion fragmentation coverage is achieved, but it becomes difficult to sample or record all of the components of interest particularly in instruments with short transmission windows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion fragmentation coverageVSAvoidsampling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Homogenization is performed preliminarily before the ion beam enters the mass analyzer, ensuring that all components are available for sampling regardless of their temporal modulation patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The homogenization device serves as an intermediary that decouples the parameter scanning process from the sampling process, allowing independent optimization of both

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the parameter scanning cycle time T1 is reduced to minimize temporal modulation effects, then the temporal modulation is easier to remove, but the scan coverage and fragmentation efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemporal modulation removalVSAvoidscan coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the relationship between scan cycle time and homogenization efficiency, allowing flexible optimization based on specific experimental requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The homogenization device changes the temporal parameters of the ion beam, converting modulated components into a continuous or pseudo-continuous beam with altered timing characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the dynamic range of mass analyzers and improves sampling by ensuring all components are recorded, even in instruments with short fill times, by eliminating the effects of temporal modulation, thus providing more accurate and comprehensive mass spectra.

Implementation Method 1

downstream homogenisation using a gas-filled homogenization device or ion trap to convert temporally modulated components into a substantially continuous or pseudo-continuous ion beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas-filled homogenization:

Data Source

PatentUS10068761B2Fast modulation with downstream homogenisation

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 MICROMASS UK LTD

AI summary

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed involving scanning a parameter of a first device through which a mixture of components is passed. Different components are transmitted through or produced in the first device at different values of the parameter and hence scanning the device parameter introduces a temporal modulation or profile to the components. This temporal variation is then removed prior to mass analyzing the components through a process of homogenization.