Ion Interface Voltage Profiling for Ion Focusing and Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion interfaces in mass spectrometers face challenges in efficiently sampling and focusing ion beams, leading to reduced transmission efficiency and increased space-charge effects, which affect sensitivity and signal quality across the mass range.
Innovation Solution
The ion interface comprises multiple elements, including conically shaped orifices and a cylindrical lens, with independently controllable voltages to create an electric field with an inflection point, optimizing ion transmission and reducing space-charge effects by focusing ions before they reach a downstream component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional ion interface with single or few elements is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ion transmission efficiency is reduced and space-charge effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ion interface is divided into multiple discrete elements (first element with first orifice, second element with second orifice, third element with third orifice, and fourth element with aperture) arranged in sequence. Each element performs a specific function in the ion sampling and focusing process, allowing independent optimization of each component to achieve high transmission efficiency while managing complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies independently controllable voltages to different elements (first non-zero voltage to third element, second non-zero voltage to fourth element) to create a dynamic electric field with an inflection point. This dynamic control allows real-time optimization of ion focusing and transmission, adapting to varying ion beam conditions while maintaining high transmission efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If ions are sampled without focusing elements, then the device complexity is low, but sensitivity and signal quality deteriorate due to space-charge effects
Solution Approach 1:
The fourth element with aperture acts as an intermediary focusing component between the ion sampling region and the downstream component. It receives ions from the third element and focuses them before delivery, reducing space-charge effects and improving signal quality without requiring complex focusing mechanisms in earlier stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (voltage) applied to the fourth element, applying a second non-zero voltage that differs from the first non-zero voltage on the third element. This parameter change creates the inflection point in the electric field, enabling effective ion focusing that enhances sensitivity and signal quality.
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 configuration enhances ion transmission efficiency, increases sensitivity, and improves signal-to-noise ratio across the mass range by effectively focusing and sampling ions, thereby optimizing the performance of mass spectrometers.
Implementation Method 1
The third element is configured to receive a first non-zero voltage. The fourth element is configured to receive a second non-zero voltage... create an electric field with an inflection point
Implementation Method 2
a fourth element comprising a first aperture configured to receive ions in the third region and focus the received ions prior to providing the focused, received ions to a downstream component
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of ion interfaces are described that can provide higher sensitivities improved ion transmission and multiple operating modes. In some configurations, the ion interface may comprise a first element and a second element each of which can receive a non-zero voltage. In one configuration, the first element can be a hyperskimmer cone and the second element can be a cylindrical lens. Systems and methods using the interface are also described.