Ion Funnel Rectangular Electrodes Field Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion funnel interfaces with circular ring electrodes suffer from geometric and field mismatches, leading to limited ion transmission and efficiency when interfacing with noncircular devices, resulting in ion loss.
Innovation Solution
An ion funnel device with a first pair of electrodes positioned in one direction and a second pair in a different direction, utilizing RF and DC voltage sources with phase-shifted RF voltages and varying DC gradients to improve ion focusing and transfer efficiency, and fabricated using materials like printed circuit boards or metal lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If circular ring electrodes are used in the ion funnel, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but geometric and field mismatches occur when interfacing with noncircular devices, resulting in limited ion transmission and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from circular ring electrodes to rectangular planar electrodes. This geometric change enables better matching with noncircular ion mobility devices, eliminating the geometric and field mismatch that previously caused ion loss. The rectangular configuration allows the electric fields to align properly with the interface geometry, thereby improving ion transmission efficiency while maintaining ease of manufacture through planar fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by moving from three-dimensional circular ring electrodes to two-dimensional planar electrodes. This reduction in dimensionality allows for better field matching at the interface with noncircular devices and enables the use of planar manufacturing techniques such as printed circuit boards, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving ion transmission efficiency.
2Device complexity
If circular ring electrodes with focusing lens are used, then the device structure is conventional and easy to implement, but ion loss occurs at the ion funnel-ion mobility device interface due to field mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by replacing circular ring electrodes with rectangular planar electrodes. This geometric transformation enables the electric fields to match properly with noncircular ion mobility devices, eliminating the field mismatch that causes ion loss at the interface. The rectangular configuration aligns the field lines with the device geometry, preventing ion loss while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the electrode geometry from circular to rectangular and changing the voltage application scheme. By applying RF voltage with superimposed DC voltage gradient to one pair of electrodes and DC voltage gradient to the other pair, the electric field parameters are optimized to eliminate mismatch effects, thereby preventing ion loss at the interface.
3Productivity
If RF voltage with superimposed DC voltage gradient is applied to one pair of electrodes and DC voltage gradient to the other pair, then ion transmission sensitivity and stability are enhanced, but the voltage control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing different voltage schemes on different electrode pairs. One pair receives RF voltage with superimposed DC voltage gradient for ion confinement and directional guidance, while the other pair receives only DC voltage gradient. This differential parameter application optimizes ion transmission sensitivity and stability by creating appropriate field configurations without requiring complex coordinated control of all electrodes.
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 enhances ion transmission sensitivity and stability, achieving a 2-fold sensitivity improvement and maintaining high stability over an extended period by aligning electrical fields and optimizing electrode configurations for seamless ion transfer between devices.
Implementation Method 1
a RF voltage with a superimposed DC voltage gradient is applied to the first pair of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a DC voltage gradient is applied to the second pair of electrodes
Implementation Method 3
each of the electrodes in the first direction has a RF phase that is phase shifted approximately 180 degrees from an adjacent first direction electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An ion funnel device is disclosed. A first pair of electrodes is positioned in a first direction. A second pair of electrodes is positioned in a second direction. The device includes an RF voltage source and a DC voltage source. A RF voltage with a superimposed DC voltage gradient is applied to the first pair of electrodes, and a DC voltage gradient is applied to the second pair of electrodes.