Ion Detector AC Coupler Resin Sheet Signal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mass spectrometry, ion detectors face challenges in transmitting high-frequency signals without distortion due to the limitations of commercially available capacitors in vacuum environments, which lead to waveform distortion and signal reflection issues.
Innovation Solution
An ion detector design incorporating an AC coupler with a resin sheet and conductive sections, where the conductive sections form a capacitor to reduce signal reflection, using materials like liquid crystal polymer for improved withstand voltage and reduced water absorption, effectively addressing the distortion issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a commercially available capacitor is used in the AC coupler, then the initial design is simplified, but the withstand voltage requirement cannot be met in vacuum environment and signal reflection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a resin sheet (dielectric material) with conductive sections to create a custom capacitor structure. This composite construction allows the AC coupler to achieve the required withstand voltage in vacuum environments while maintaining manufacturability, resolving the contradiction between using simple commercial capacitors and meeting rigorous performance specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the capacitor by selecting specific resin materials with appropriate dielectric properties and thickness, and by designing conductive sections with specific geometries. These parameter adjustments enable the capacitor to withstand high voltages in vacuum while controlling signal reflection, moving away from fixed commercial capacitor specifications.
2Ease of manufacture
If a commercially available capacitor is used in the AC coupler, then the initial design is simplified, but signal reflection and waveform distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The custom composite capacitor structure allows optimization of the dielectric and conductive components to minimize signal reflection. By selecting materials with appropriate electromagnetic properties and designing the geometry of conductive sections, the patent achieves better signal transmission quality while maintaining ease of manufacture through a modular construction approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin sheet acts as an intermediary between the conductive sections, providing both electrical insulation and controlled electromagnetic coupling. This intermediary structure mediates the signal transmission, reducing reflection and distortion while allowing the capacitor to be manufactured using standard techniques.
3Ease of operation
If AC coupling is used to detect negative ions, then the output element can be at high voltage, but signal reflection and waveform distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AC coupler with its resin sheet and conductive sections serves as an intermediary between the high-voltage output element and the signal processing circuitry. This intermediary structure allows the output element to operate at high voltage while the coupler's design minimizes signal reflection, enabling both high voltage operation and good signal quality.
4Reliability
If a resin sheet-based AC coupler is used, then withstand voltage and water absorption are improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials (resin sheet combined with conductive sections) to achieve high withstand voltage and low water absorption. While this creates a more complex structure than a simple commercial capacitor, the modular nature of the composite construction allows for systematic manufacturing and assembly, balancing structural complexity with performance requirements.
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 solution effectively reduces signal reflection and distortion, enabling the reliable transmission of high-frequency signals in vacuum environments by utilizing a resin sheet-based AC coupler with specific conductive sections, enhancing the ion detector's performance in mass spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
the AC coupler comprises a resin sheet, a first conductive section, and a second conductive section... the first conductive section and the second conductive section are included in a capacitor
Implementation Method 2
an ion detector provided with an input element that emits electrons in response to incident ions
Data Source
AI summary
An ion detector according to this embodiment has a structure for reducing influences of signal reflection or the like on an output signal. The ion detector comprises an electron multiplier, a signal output unit, a signal output terminal, and an AC coupler. The AC coupler is disposed on a signal line between the signal output unit and the signal output terminal, including a resin sheet and a pair of conductive sections facing each other with the resin sheet interposed therebetween. One conductive section is electrically connected to an output terminal of the signal output unit, and the other conductive section is electrically connected to the signal output terminal.