Ion Detection via Pulse and Harmonic Transient Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The resolving power of Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (FTMS) is limited by the Fourier Transform uncertainty principle, leading to challenges in reducing detection time without degrading the analytical performance, especially with increasing speed of liquid separation in mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry analysis.
Innovation Solution
A mass analyser comprising an electrostatic field generator, a pulse detection electrode arrangement to detect a pulse transient signal over a significantly shorter duration than the ion packet oscillation period, and a harmonic detection electrode arrangement to detect a harmonic transient signal continuously, with a processor identifying ion intensity based on both signals, allowing for improved data processing techniques such as wavelet transformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection time is increased to improve resolving power, then resolving power is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two distinct modes: continuous detection mode for acquiring harmonic transient signals over the full oscillation period, and pulsed detection mode for capturing pulse transient signals over significantly shorter durations (at least 10 times shorter). This segmentation allows the system to obtain sufficient data for high-resolution analysis without requiring prolonged detection times, thereby resolving the contradiction between resolving power and detection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the periodic nature of ion packet oscillations by detecting signals at specific phases of the oscillation cycle. The pulsed detection is synchronized with the periodic motion, capturing signals during specific windows when ions pass near the detection electrodes. This periodic sampling strategy enables accurate mass analysis with much shorter detection times compared to continuous detection of the full oscillation cycle.
2Productivity
If detection time is reduced to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between continuous detection mode and pulsed detection mode based on the specific analytical requirements. The system can adaptively select the appropriate detection strategy: using pulsed detection for routine high-speed analysis when sufficient resolving power is achieved, and switching to continuous detection when maximum resolving power is required. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between productivity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter (detection time window) from the traditional full oscillation period to significantly shorter pulsed intervals (at least 10 times shorter). By modifying this critical parameter and combining it with advanced signal processing techniques, the system achieves both reduced detection time and maintained resolving power, directly addressing the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If conventional harmonic inversion methods are used for data processing, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes specific characteristic features from the pulsed transient signals, such as signal amplitude, duration, and temporal profile. By focusing on these key extracted features rather than attempting to process the entire complex signal waveform with traditional harmonic inversion methods, the system achieves accurate mass analysis with simpler processing algorithms, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical/mathematical harmonic inversion process with alternative signal processing approaches that are better suited to pulsed transient signals. This substitution involves using processing methods that can efficiently handle the shortened detection time data format, thereby reducing computational complexity and device requirements while preserving the ability to achieve high measurement precision.
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 approach enables faster detection times while maintaining resolving power, allowing for improved spectral line list generation and enhanced Signal-to-Noise ratio, particularly suitable for high-speed mass spectrometry applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic field generator, arranged to provide an electrostatic field causing ion packets to oscillate along a longitudinal direction with a period
Implementation Method 2
ions are detected by an image current generated in detection electrodes as the ions pass nearby
Implementation Method 3
a harmonic detection electrode arrangement, configured to detect a harmonic transient signal comprising an image current
Data Source
AI summary
Mass analyzers and methods of ion detection for a mass analyzer are provided. An electrostatic field generator provides an electrostatic field causing ion packets to oscillate along a direction. A pulse transient signal is detected over a time duration that is significantly shorter than a period of the ion oscillation or using pulse detection electrodes having a width that is significantly smaller than a span of ion harmonic motion. A harmonic transient signal is also detected. Ion intensity with respect to mass-to-charge ratio is then identified based on the pulse transient signal and the harmonic transient signal.