Ion Manipulation Device Using Parallel Electrode Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ion manipulation technologies face inefficiencies and impracticalities in extended sequences of ion manipulations, particularly in high-pressure regions and complex ion mobility separations, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of a device with paired surfaces and arrays of electrodes, where RF and DC potentials create pseudopotentials to confine and manipulate ions, allowing for lossless ion transport and complex sequences of ion separations, transfers, and trapping, with adjustable electric fields and configurations to accommodate various pressures and mass-to-charge ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ion manipulation approaches are used for extended sequences of ion manipulations, then ion transport through regions of elevated pressure and complex ion mobility separations can be achieved, but the systems become increasingly impractical, expensive and inefficient with ion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the ion manipulation space into multiple regions defined by electrode arrays on parallel surfaces, allowing different manipulation functions (transport, separation, trapping) to occur in distinct zones. This segmentation enables complex sequences of operations without requiring a single complex device, improving efficiency and reducing ion losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional one-dimensional ion optics to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional manipulation space between parallel surfaces. Multiple electrode arrays arranged in different dimensions enable simultaneous control of ion positions and trajectories, allowing extended manipulation sequences with minimal ion losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ion optic approaches are used for sophisticated ion manipulations, then ion transport and separation functions can be performed, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel surface electrode device serves multiple functions including ion transport, mobility separation, trapping, and reaction studies within a single configuration. By applying different voltage patterns to the electrode arrays, the same physical structure can perform various manipulation tasks, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying overall device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves different manipulation outcomes by changing electrical parameters (voltage amplitudes, frequencies, phases) applied to the electrode arrays rather than changing physical components. This parameter-based control provides versatility in ion manipulation while maintaining a relatively simple and consistent device structure.
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
Enables efficient, lossless ion manipulation and high-resolution separations over a broad range of pressures and mass-to-charge values, improving the capabilities of mass spectrometry and other ion-based technologies by minimizing ion losses and enhancing ion confinement.
Implementation Method 1
RF potentials are applied to the inner electrodes with a superimposed electric field to create a pseudopotential that prevents ions from approaching the parallel surfaces
Implementation Method 2
DC potentials are applied to the outer electrodes to control and restrict movement of ions between the parallel surfaces
Implementation Method 3
ion mobility separations through the use of RF and/or DC fields to manipulate ions
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An ion manipulation method and device is disclosed. The device includes a pair of substantially parallel surfaces. An array of inner electrodes is contained within, and extends substantially along the length of, each parallel surface. The device includes a first outer array of electrodes and a second outer array of electrodes. Each outer array of electrodes is positioned on either side of the inner electrodes, and is contained within and extends substantially along the length of each parallel surface. A DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer array of electrodes. A RF voltage, with a superimposed electric field, is applied to the inner electrodes by applying the DC voltages to each electrode. Ions either move between the parallel surfaces within an ion confinement area or along paths in the direction of the electric field, or can be trapped in the ion confinement area.