Ion Guide Breakdown Detection and RF Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ion guides and ion traps, particularly those used in large closed-loop ion mobility separation devices, are susceptible to electrical breakdown due to long ion residence times and the use of relatively large ion guides, leading to potential contamination issues such as adduct formation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control circuit to manage operational parameters like voltages and gas composition in ion guides and traps, using PTFE-based insulating substrates like CuClad (RTM) to reduce the risk of electrical breakdown and minimize contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If large ion guides are used in closed-loop ion mobility separation devices, then ion mobility separation capability is improved, but electrical breakdown susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the RF voltage amplitude and frequency, as well as the buffer gas pressure, to operate the large ion guide in a stable regime that prevents electrical breakdown while maintaining ion mobility separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring operational parameters and adjusting RF voltage and gas pressure in real-time to detect and prevent conditions that lead to electrical breakdown, ensuring reliable operation of large ion guides
2Measurement precision
If long ion residence times are used, then ion mobility separation precision is improved, but electrical breakdown risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes operational parameters by optimizing the relationship between RF voltage, frequency, and ion residence time to achieve high separation precision without creating conditions favorable for electrical breakdown
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of RF voltage and gas pressure during ion trapping and separation phases to maintain stable operation throughout the extended ion residence time required for high-precision separation
3Strength
If high RF voltage is applied to electrodes, then ion confinement capability is improved, but electrical breakdown likelihood increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing RF voltage amplitude and frequency to achieve strong ion confinement while staying below the threshold for electrical breakdown, and by adjusting buffer gas pressure to suppress discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inert buffer gas atmosphere to reduce the likelihood of electrical breakdown between electrodes while maintaining the high RF voltage necessary for effective ion confinement
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
Reduces the risk of electrical breakdown and minimizes ion contamination, improving the performance and reliability of ion mobility separation devices.
Implementation Method 1
detecting light emitted from the ion guide as a result of electrical breakdown (gas discharge) between the electrodes of the ion guide
Implementation Method 2
electrodes arranged to form an ion guiding path, with AC or RF and/or DC voltages being applied to the electrodes so as to cause ions to be confined along the ion guiding path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An ion guide or ion trap that comprises a plurality of electrodes (102) is disclosed. The ion guide or ion trap includes a detector (205) that can detect light or particles (114) emitted from the ion guide or ion trap due to electrical breakdown, and a control circuit (111) that can control the ion guide or ion trap in response to the detector (205) detecting light or particles (114) emitted from the ion guide or ion trap.