Variable-Section Ion Guide for Wide m/z Range and Low Contamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion guides face issues with a reduced m/z range of ions passing through due to contamination and a complex structure, leading to performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
An ion guide design featuring varying cross-sectional areas of multipole and axial field electrodes from inlet to outlet, with plate-shaped electrodes and controlled voltage application to prevent contamination and focus ions efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an electrode is inserted into a gap between rod electrodes to generate an axial electric field, then an axial electric field can be generated, but the structure becomes complicated and the electrode surface area becomes small, leading to contamination by neutral droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the axial field electrode with the multipole electrode structure by making the axial field electrode extend along the center axis within the multipole electrode assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate inserted electrodes while maintaining the axial electric field generation capability, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing contamination risks.
2Force
If an electrode is inserted into a gap between rod electrodes to generate an axial electric field, then an axial electric field can be generated, but the electrode surface area becomes small, leading to contamination by neutral droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the axial field electrode along the center axis in the longitudinal dimension of the ion guide, transforming it from a small inserted element into a long continuous electrode. This dimensional extension significantly increases the electrode surface area, enabling it to better resist contamination from neutral droplets while maintaining axial electric field generation.
3Force
If rod electrodes are inclined to apply an axial electric field, then an axial electric field can be generated, but the m/z range of ions that can pass through decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different regions: the multipole electrodes generate radial confinement fields while the centrally positioned axial field electrode generates the axial electric field. This localized functional differentiation allows independent optimization of each field's characteristics, enabling wide m/z range transmission while maintaining effective axial field generation without electrode inclination.
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 ion guide achieves a wide m/z range transmission with reduced contamination, efficient ion focusing, and noise reduction, while maintaining a simple structure.
Implementation Method 1
a multipole electrode for forming a multipole electric field
Implementation Method 2
an axial field electrode for forming an axial electric field
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
In order to achieve an ion guide that has a simple structure, is resistant to contamination, and provides a wide m/z range of ions that can pass through the ion guide, the present disclosure proposes an ion guide into which ions are introduced and which is configured to focus and discharge the ions, the ion guide including a multipole electrode for forming a multipole electric field, and an axial field electrode for forming an axial electric field. The cross-sectional area perpendicular to the center axis of the ion guide of at least one of the multipole electrode or the axial field electrode varies from an inlet to an outlet of the ion guide (see FIG. 2A).