Ion Detector Voltage Control for Mass Spectrometer Lifetime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ion trap mass spectrometers face a decrease in ion detector lifetime due to the detection of ions outside the analysis target range, leading to deterioration and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a voltage control mechanism that adjusts the ion detection capability of the ion detector based on the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, reducing detection capability for ions outside the analysis target range and increasing it for ions within the target range, thereby minimizing detector deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ion detector continuously detects all ejected ions regardless of mass-to-charge ratio, then complete ion detection is achieved, but the detector lifetime decreases due to deterioration from non-target ions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector lifetimeVSAvoiddetection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the detector voltage variable rather than constant. The voltage application control part dynamically adjusts the detector voltage based on the ejection phase: applying a first voltage during non-target ion ejection and a second voltage during target ion ejection. This dynamic adjustment allows the detector to selectively detect ions while preserving its lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage parameter of the detector based on different operational phases. By switching between a first voltage (lower detection capability) during non-target ion ejection and a second voltage (higher detection capability) during target ion ejection, the system optimizes both detector protection and detection performance through parameter modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the ion detector operates with high detection capability continuously, then ion detection sensitivity is maximized, but the number of detected non-target ions increases causing detector deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion detection sensitivityVSAvoiddetector deterioration from non-target ions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively reducing detector sensitivity during the phase when non-target ions are ejected. The voltage application control part anticipates the non-target ion ejection phase and applies a reduced voltage during this period, preventing detector deterioration before it occurs, then restores full sensitivity when target ions are ejected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by cyclically switching the detector voltage between two states corresponding to different ejection phases. The detector operates with high sensitivity periodically during target ion detection and low sensitivity during non-target ion ejection, creating a rhythmic pattern that balances detection performance with detector protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively suppresses the deterioration of the ion detector from detecting non-target ions, thereby extending its lifetime and ensuring reliable detection of ions within the analysis range.

Implementation Method 1

ions are generated from a sample by irradiating a laser beam to the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

ions are generated from a sample by irradiating a laser beam to the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

an ion trap that captures the ions generated by the ion source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 4

a dynode that converts ions to charges, and a secondary electron multiplier tube that detects an amount of the charges converted by the dynode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron multiplication: Electron Avalanche

Data Source

PatentUS10923337B2Ion trap mass spectrometer and ion trap mass spectrometry method

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

An ion source of an ion trap mass spectrometer generates ions of a component in a sample. An ion trap captures the ions generated by the ion source. An ion detector detects ions ejected from the ion trap. A voltage application control part changes a voltage applied to the ion detector such that, after generation of ions by the ion source is started, ion detection capability of the ion detector during a time period when ions having a mass-to-charge ratio outside an analysis target range are ejected from the ion trap is lower as compared to ion detection capability of the ion detector during a time period when ions having a mass-to-charge ratio within the analysis target range are ejected from the ion trap.