Ion Carpet Centrifuge for High-Flux m/z Pre-Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometry apparatuses are inefficient in ion usage due to the expulsion of ions outside the desired mass-to-charge ratio range, necessitating a more efficient pre-separation device that can handle high ion beam strengths and space-charge potentials while allowing controlled ion ejection for further mass isolation.
Innovation Solution
An ion centrifuge apparatus utilizing a pair of ion carpet members with oscillatory RF voltages and time-varying DC potentials to separate ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios, allowing sequential delivery of ion sub-groups to a mass filter, thereby enhancing ion usage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mass filters are used to eliminate ions outside the desired m/z range, then mass filtering capability is achieved, but ion usage efficiency deteriorates due to expulsion of ions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the ion beam into multiple sub-beams with different m/z ranges using a multi-channel ion mobility separator. Each channel handles a specific m/z range, allowing sequential processing of ion subgroups through the mass filter, thereby improving ion usage efficiency while maintaining mass filtering capability.
2Productivity
If ion pre-separation is implemented to improve ion usage efficiency, then ion delivery to mass filter is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The ion mobility separator serves multiple functions: it acts as a pre-separation device for different m/z ranges, functions as an ion guide, and enables sequential ion delivery to the mass filter. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving ion usage efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If high ion beam strengths are handled to maintain ion flux, then ion transmission is improved, but space-charge interference increases affecting separation quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses ion mobility separation in the spatial domain to separate ions of different m/z ranges before they enter the mass filter. This spatial separation reduces space-charge interference by distributing ions across different spatial channels, allowing high ion flux to be maintained without compromising separation quality.
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
The ion centrifuge apparatus effectively pre-separates ions by mass-to-charge ratio, improving ion usage efficiency and enabling better mass isolation in mass spectrometry by confining ions within a spatial area, reducing space-charge interference and enhancing m/z resolution.
Implementation Method 1
Ion centrifuge ion separation apparatus and mass spectrometer system
Implementation Method 2
one or more power supplies configured to provide oscillatory radio frequency (RF) voltages to a plurality of strip electrodes
Implementation Method 3
provide non-oscillatory direct current (DC) electrical potential differences across electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An ion separation apparatus comprises: (a) first and second ion carpets, each comprising: a substrate having first and second faces; and a set of electrodes disposed on or beneath the first face, wherein a configuration of a first plurality of the set of electrodes defines at least one group of circle sectors; (b) an ion exit aperture passing through one ion carpet; and (c) one or more power supplies configured to provide radio frequency voltages to a first subset of the electrodes of each ion carpet, to provide electrical potential differences across electrodes of the first subset of electrodes of each ion carpet, and to provide time-varying voltages to the first plurality of electrodes of each ion carpet that migrate through the sectors as a traveling wave, wherein the ion carpets are disposed parallel to one another with a gap therebetween, the first faces facing one another across the gap.