2D Ion Confinement Channels for High Duty Cycle Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry techniques face limitations in high-throughput analysis due to low ion storage capacity and sensitivity loss when combining ion mobility spectrometry with mass spectrometry, hindering the ability to perform high-duty cycle analysis of ions.
Innovation Solution
A novel high-duty cycle ion storage/ion mobility mass spectrometer system is developed, featuring a 2D arrangement of ion confinement regions with applied RF and DC voltages for ion mobility separation and storage, allowing continuous filling and scanning of ions for mass analysis, thereby enhancing ion storage and mobility separation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ion storage capacity is increased to enable high-duty cycle analysis, then analysis throughput is improved, but sensitivity is lost due to ion losses within the combination of IMS and MS techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independently controllable storage regions (first storage region and second storage region) that can operate simultaneously. Ions are segmented by mobility into different regions, allowing parallel processing of ion populations and maintaining high throughput while reducing ion losses through distributed storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional linear ion storage to a two-dimensional arrangement of storage regions. This spatial reorganization allows ions to be stored and processed in parallel across multiple regions, increasing storage capacity and throughput without compromising sensitivity through excessive ion loss.
2Speed
If ion mobility separation is combined with mass spectrometry to enable high-speed separation, then separation speed is improved, but sensitivity is reduced due to ion losses within the combined techniques
Solution Approach 1:
Ion mobility separation is performed preliminarily in the drift region before ions enter the storage regions. This preliminary separation organizes ions by mobility into distinct groups that can be independently stored and analyzed, maintaining separation speed while reducing subsequent ion losses during mass analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage regions act as intermediary zones between the ion mobility separation region and the mass analyzer. These intermediaries hold separated ion populations, allowing optimized transfer to the mass analyzer and reducing ion losses that would occur during direct coupling of IMS and MS.
3Productivity
If multiple storage regions are used to increase ion storage capacity, then duty cycle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple storage regions perform the same fundamental function of ion confinement and storage, but operate independently and simultaneously. This modular approach increases duty cycle through parallel operation while managing complexity through functional repetition rather than functional differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage regions operate in periodic cycles of filling, storing, and emptying ions. This periodic operation allows systematic control of ion flows through multiple regions, improving duty cycle through continuous operation while managing complexity through rhythmic, predictable patterns rather than chaotic control.
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 system achieves a significant dynamic range improvement and high ion mobility resolution, enabling efficient high-throughput mass analysis with improved spectral quality and increased ion storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
ion mobility separation and transport into one or more predetermined spatial locations
Implementation Method 2
confinement channels having predetermined spatial locations provided by desired DC and RF potentials
Implementation Method 3
ions in an applied electric field drift in a defined direction with the velocity controlled by their mobility (K)
Implementation Method 4
While neutrals diffuse randomly (via Brownian motion), ions in an applied electric field drift in a defined direction
Implementation Method 5
introduction of such gases also enables different ion species to be separated by their ion mobility, i.e., by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS)
Implementation Method 6
assist the ions in losing their initial kinetic energy via low energy collisions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A novel high ion storage/ ion mobility separation mass spectrometer that provides for a high duty cycle of operation is presented herein. In particular, the example embodiments, as disclosed herein, provides for a high ion storage/ ion mobility instrument that beneficially includes a two-dimensional (2D) plurality of adjacently arranged ion confinement channels to provide a high storage bank of a desired mass range of ions. Such ions, via ion mobility transport, are separated into smaller fractions of an overall mass window into desired confinement regions of the disclosed 2D confinement channels and thereafter transferred out in a manner so as to enable the aforementioned novel high-duty cycle of sequential operation.