Ion Beam Modulation for Mass Peak De-Coalescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometry methods struggle to resolve coalesced mass peaks, particularly when isotopes of highly charged ions overlap, leading to unresolvable wide analogue signal peaks and inaccurate determination of underlying ion distribution and peak mass intensity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring mass spectra at different ion beam intensities, modulating the ion beam intensity to generate intensity-modulated ion beams, and processing the resulting spectra to interpret coalesced mass peaks by determining peak intensity and m/z ratios, using techniques such as ion beam bunching, periodic ion removal, or voltage modulation to reduce coalescence probability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ion beam intensity is increased to improve signal strength, then detection sensitivity is improved, but mass peak coalescence worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by modulating the ion beam intensity in a periodic manner, alternating between high intensity (for sensitivity) and low intensity (for resolution). This is achieved through intensity modulation of the ion beam before it enters the mass analyzer, allowing the system to cycle between conditions that optimize different measurement aspects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the ion beam intensity variable rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts the ion beam intensity between high and low states during the measurement process, enabling adaptation between sensitivity-optimized and resolution-optimized measurement conditions within the same experimental run.
2Measurement precision
If ion beam intensity is increased to improve signal strength, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but ion signal saturation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to alternate between high ion beam intensity (improving signal-to-noise ratio) and low ion beam intensity (preventing saturation). This periodic modulation allows the system to collect data under both high-sensitivity and linear-response conditions, which can then be combined or selected based on the specific measurement needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the ion beam intensity parameter between two distinct states. This allows the system to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio when needed while avoiding signal saturation, effectively using parameter modulation to navigate the trade-off between these two competing requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional de-coalescence methods are used to resolve mass peaks, then peak separation is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unresolvable saturated signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by modulating the ion beam intensity to create alternating high and low intensity measurement cycles. During low intensity cycles, coalesced peaks are better resolved; during high intensity cycles, overall signal strength is maximized. This periodic approach allows both peak separation and accurate intensity measurement to be achieved through data from different modulation phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the modulated ion beam intensity as an intermediary mechanism to indirectly resolve the contradiction between peak separation and intensity accuracy. Rather than directly attempting to separate coalesced peaks under saturated conditions, the system uses intensity modulation as an intermediary to create conditions where both objectives can be met.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a mass spectrometer is disclosed, which comprises an ion source configured to receive a sample and ionize at least one analyte in the sample to generate a plurality of analyte ions, and at least a first ion routing device having a first inlet for receiving at least a portion of the plurality of the analyte ions and at least a first and a second outlet through which a first and a second portion of the received analyte ions can exit the ion-routing device, respectively. The mass spectrometer can further include at least two charge reduction devices one of which is coupled via a first inlet thereof to the first outlet and the other is coupled via an inlet thereof to the second outlet of the ion routing device to receive said first and second portions of the ions exiting the ion routing device.