Ion Guide Electrode Layout for Polarity-Independent Ion Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCB ion guides trap ions of only a single polarity, requiring additional RF electrodes and complex electronics, complicating design and manufacture.
Innovation Solution
An ion guide configuration with alternating electrodes on opposing surfaces, receiving RF voltages of the same or phase-shifted phases, generates polarity-independent containment electric fields along multiple axes using the same electrodes and electronic drive circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional RF electrodes are added to provide polarity-independent trapping, then ion containment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by configuring the same RF electrodes to perform multiple functions: they provide both vertical confinement (through capacitive coupling between opposing PCB surfaces) and horizontal confinement (through phase-shifted RF voltages applied to alternating electrodes). This eliminates the need for separate electrode structures for different trapping directions and polarities, achieving polarity-independent trapping without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by using time-varying RF voltages with specific phase relationships to dynamically create trapping potentials. By applying RF voltages at different phases to alternating electrodes, the system dynamically generates restoring forces that confine ions of any polarity in both vertical and horizontal directions, replacing static DC trapping that was polarity-limited
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional RF electrodes and driving electronics are added, then polarity-independent trapping is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same RF electrodes on the PCB surfaces serve dual purposes: vertical confinement through capacitive coupling and horizontal confinement through phase-shifted voltage application. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional electrode structures and simplifies manufacturing while achieving polarity-independent trapping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of vertical and horizontal confinement into a single electrode structure. The RF electrodes that would traditionally only provide vertical confinement are additionally used for horizontal confinement by applying phase-shifted voltages, combining multiple trapping functions into one integrated system that is easier to manufacture
3Reliability
If DC voltage is applied to guard electrodes for horizontal trapping, then single-polarity ion containment is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from static DC to time-varying RF with specific phase relationships. This parameter change transforms the trapping mechanism from polarity-dependent DC trapping to polarity-independent RF trapping, where the oscillating electric fields create restoring forces for both positive and negative ions through the phase-shifted voltage application to alternating 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
Simplifies construction and operation by using the same electrodes for both horizontal and vertical ion containment, providing polarity-independent trapping with reduced complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
Ion guides are devices that guide ions along an ion path by application of electrostatic and electrodynamic fields
Implementation Method 2
to provide a trapping potential in a Y (vertical) direction and apply a direct current (DC) voltage to outer guard electrodes to provide a trapping potential in an X (horizontal) direction
Data Source
AI summary
An ion guide includes a first arrangement of electrodes on a first surface, a second arrangement of electrodes on a second surface, and an ion containment space in a gap therebetween. The first arrangement includes first electrodes and second electrodes. Each first electrode includes a first main portion and a first edge portion. The first edge portion is wider than the first main portion. The second arrangement includes third electrodes and fourth electrodes. Each fourth electrode includes a fourth main portion and a fourth edge portion. The fourth edge portion is wider than the fourth main portion. The first edge portions are positioned opposite the fourth edge portions. The first electrodes and the third electrodes are configured to receive first RF voltages and the second electrodes and the fourth electrodes are configured to receive second RF voltages that are phase-shifted with respect to the first RF voltages.