Ion-Deflector Electric Field for Mass Analyzer Ion Trajectory
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atmospheric pressure ion sources, such as electrospray ionization sources, face reduced throughput due to ion trajectory issues, leading to surface burns and contamination in the ion transfer elements, which decreases sensitivity and increases chemical background noise.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an ion transfer assembly with a partition element and an ion-deflector, where the ion-deflector establishes an electric field to deflect ions toward the ion transfer element, ensuring they follow a path aligned with the mass analyzer, thereby reducing ion loss and surface interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the ion transfer tube axis is offset from the skimmer aperture to prevent droplet contamination, then droplet rejection is improved, but ion trajectory control deteriorates causing ions to strike surfaces and create burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ion-deflector as an intermediary element between the ion transfer tube and the ion transfer element. This deflector uses electric fields to mediate ion trajectories, redirecting ions away from surfaces that would cause burns while maintaining proper alignment of the ion transfer tube with the skimmer aperture for optimal droplet rejection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electric field parameters (voltage, field strength, field distribution) to dynamically control ion trajectories. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the system can redirect ions to follow appropriate paths without physical realignment of components, resolving the contradiction between fixed geometric alignment and dynamic trajectory control
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ions follow an off-axis trajectory through the skimmer aperture, then droplet filtration is improved, but ion throughput decreases due to ion loss on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The ion-deflector acts as a mediator that preserves the beneficial off-axis trajectory for droplet filtration while compensating for ion loss. It creates electric field pathways that guide ions through the filtration zone and redirect them toward the ion transfer element, preventing surface strikes and maintaining high ion throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical trajectory control (physical alignment of tube and aperture) with electrical field control. This substitution allows the system to maintain the optimal geometric configuration for droplet filtration while using electric fields to control ion paths, thereby preserving ion throughput
3Productivity
If the ion transfer tube is aligned with the skimmer aperture for maximum ion transmission, then ion throughput is improved, but droplets and particles pass through causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ion transmission path into distinct functional zones: a first region for ion generation and initial transmission, and a second region for focused ion delivery to the mass analyzer. The partition element with skimmer aperture separates these zones, allowing aligned transmission while preventing droplet passage into the high vacuum region
Solution Approach 2:
The ion-deflector serves as an intermediary that operates in the ion transfer path to selectively influence ion trajectories without affecting droplet trajectories. It creates electric field zones that guide ions through the aligned path while heavier droplets follow ballistic trajectories and are blocked by the partition element
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 configuration enhances ion throughput and reduces surface damage, maintaining high sensitivity and minimizing chemical background noise, thus improving the overall performance of the ion source.
Implementation Method 1
an ion-deflector for establishing a first electric field for deflecting ions toward a path approximately along the second longitudinal axis and passing through the input end of the ion transfer element
Implementation Method 2
an ionization source for forming ions from a sample... The electrospray ionization technique... produces singly or multiply charged ions in the gas phase from a solution at atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for directing ions from an ionization source to a mass analyzer is provided. The method includes producing ions from a sample in an ionization source. Some of the ions are transferred to a first region via a passageway that is in fluid communication with the ionization source. Next, some of the ions are sampled from the first region into a second region via an aperture that is defined thorough a partition element. The aperture is centered about a longitudinal axis that passes through an ion transfer element within the second region. An electric field is established for deflecting some of the ions that pass through the aperture of the partition element. In particular, the electric field is directed transverse to the longitudinal axis such that relatively more ions enter an input end of the ion transfer element compared to when the ions are not deflected.