Ion Deflector Electrostatic Fields Mass Spectrometer Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion optics systems in mass spectrometers face limitations in measurement sensitivity at certain ion energy levels, particularly due to the inability to effectively guide and focus ions within the device.
Innovation Solution
An ion deflector system utilizing multiple electrostatic fields generated by chargeable elements with adjustable bias voltage potentials is introduced, allowing for precise manipulation and focusing of ions within three-dimensional space by creating electric monopole fields, enabling ions to be steered and focused towards specific spatial regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ion optics systems are used to guide ions in mass spectrometers, then the basic ion guidance function is achieved, but measurement sensitivity is limited at certain ion energy levels
Solution Approach 1:
The ion deflector is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrostatic elements (first and second deflectors, each with multiple electrodes). This segmentation allows precise control of ion trajectories through coordinated voltage adjustment of individual elements, improving measurement sensitivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion optics system employs dynamic voltage control where voltages applied to electrostatic elements are adjusted based on ion energy levels and desired deflection angles. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize performance across different operating conditions, resolving the sensitivity limitation at certain energy levels without requiring a completely different system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrostatic fields are used to deflect and focus ions precisely, then measurement sensitivity and ion control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic elements serve multiple functions: they generate deflecting fields, focusing fields, and can be configured to create combined deflection-focusing patterns. The same set of electrodes can operate in different modes depending on voltage configuration, reducing the need for separate specialized components and managing complexity while maintaining precise ion control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise ion manipulation by changing electrical parameters (voltages) rather than physical configurations. By adjusting voltage magnitudes and polarities on existing electrostatic elements, the system can dynamically reconfigure field patterns for different deflection and focusing requirements, avoiding the complexity of mechanically reconfigurable structures.
3Device complexity
If conventional ion guidance arrangements are used, then the mass spectrometer structure is simpler, but the ability to eliminate collisional cells is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical collisional cell structures with an electrostatic field-based ion guidance system. The multiple electrostatic deflectors and focusers provide the necessary ion trajectory control and filtering functions that traditionally required physical collisional cells, thereby eliminating or reducing mechanical components while maintaining or improving instrument versatility.
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 solution enhances measurement sensitivity by selectively deflecting and focusing ions, reducing unwanted particles and potentially eliminating the need for collisional cells, while allowing for more compact and flexible mass spectrometer designs.
Implementation Method 1
an electric field inducer arranged so as to establish more than one electrostatic field capable of deflecting ions travelling substantially along a first intended path of travel so as to travel substantially along a second intended path of travel
Implementation Method 2
capable of deflecting ions travelling substantially along a first intended path of travel so as to travel substantially along a second intended path of travel
Implementation Method 3
Each of the chargeable elements is arranged with a voltage source so that they each exhibit either a positive or negative bias voltage potential... the electric field produced is an electric monopole field
Implementation Method 4
capable of causing a flow of ions travelling along a first of said axes of travel to be focused toward a spatial region of intended focus
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an ion deflector for use with a mass spectrometer for directing a flow of ions between two distinct axes of travel. The ion deflector includes an electric field inducer arranged so as to establish at least one electrostatic field capable of deflecting ions travelling substantially along a first intended path of travel so as to travel substantially along a second intended path of travel.