Ion Detector Collision Surfaces Dual Polarity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ion detectors face challenges in efficiently and quickly detecting both positively and negatively charged ionized particles, particularly due to poor sensitivity for negative ions and the need for complex and costly power supply switching to rapidly switch between polarities.

Innovation Solution

An ion detector design featuring collision surfaces that convert both positive and negative ions into electrons, with an electron multiplier for detection, allowing for simultaneous detection without the need for power supply switching, using biased electrodes to attract and emit secondary electrons for accurate particle detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ion detectors use power supply switching to detect both positive and negative ions, then both polarities can be detected, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of both positive and negative ionsVSAvoidpower supply switching complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is divided into two separate detection paths: one for positive ions and one for negative ions. Each path has its own conversion electrode optimized for its polarity, eliminating the need for power supply switching while maintaining the ability to detect both ion types simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detector design creates a universal detection system that handles both positive and negative ions through parallel processing paths. Each path is self-contained and can operate independently, providing multi-functionality without requiring complex switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ion detectors switch between positive and negative ion detection modes, then both polarities can be detected, but the switching time and signal distortion increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of both positive and negative ionsVSAvoidpower supply switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Both positive and negative ion detection paths operate continuously and simultaneously rather than alternating between modes. This eliminates switching time losses and maintains continuous detection of both ion polarities without interruption or delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ion detectors use high voltage power supply switching, then polarity reversal is achieved, but noise and signal distortion increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarity switching capabilityVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The high voltage power supplies are segmented into separate, independent supplies for positive and negative ion paths. Each supply operates at a stable, fixed voltage without switching, eliminating the noise and distortion associated with power supply transitions while maintaining polarity-specific detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If ion detectors use mass-dependent detection methods, then detection is achieved, but detection efficiency varies with ion mass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoiddetection consistency across masses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion electrodes are designed to produce a uniform secondary electron emission response across different ion masses. By optimizing the electrode material and geometry, the detector achieves consistent detection efficiency for both light and heavy ions, eliminating mass-dependent detection variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 efficient detection of both positively and negatively charged ions with improved sensitivity and reduced complexity, independent of ion mass and structure, facilitating high-speed operation without compromising signal quality or requiring costly power supply switching.

Implementation Method 1

collision surfaces for converting both positively and negatively charged ions into electrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSecondary electron emission: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an electron multiplier for detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron multiplication: Electron Avalanche

Implementation Method 3

biased electrodes to attract and emit secondary electrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon attraction by electric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 4

emission of secondary electrons is velocity dependent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSecondary electron emission: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7728292B2Method and apparatus for detecting positively charged and negatively charged ionized particles

Publication Date: 2010.06.01 PERKINELMER SCIENTIFIC CANADA ULC

AI summary

An ion detector includes collision surfaces for converting both positively and negatively charged ions into emitted secondary electrons. Secondary electrons may be detected using an electron detector, than may, for example include an electron multiplier. Conveniently, secondary electrons (or electrons emitted by the multiplier) may be detected using an electron pulse counter.