Opposing Ion Mirror Mass Analyzer with Nested Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time-of-flight mass spectrometers face challenges in increasing mass resolution without enlarging instrument size, as longer flight paths require more complex configurations and introduce obstacles that reduce sensitivity and resolution, such as fringe field correction electrodes which distort the ion path and limit oscillations.
Innovation Solution
The use of opposing ion mirrors with elongated inner and outer electrode systems creates an analyzer volume where ions undergo axial and radial oscillations, allowing for a main flight path that extends from entry to exit without additional optical devices or power switching, eliminating the need for field correction electrodes and maintaining a simple, cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the flight path length is increased to improve mass resolution, then mass resolution is improved, but the instrument size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear flight path into a two-dimensional orbital path around an inner electrode. Ions complete multiple orbits (e.g., 7 orbits) around the inner electrode before detection, effectively increasing the flight path length without proportionally increasing the instrument's linear dimensions. This dimensional transformation allows the flight path to wrap around the central electrode structure, achieving longer effective path length within a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the flight path is nested around the inner electrode. The ions travel in concentric orbital paths around the inner electrode, with the flight trajectory embedded within the space between the inner and outer electrodes. This nesting allows the flight path to utilize the radial space efficiently, achieving extended path length without external expansion.
2Length of stationary object
If complex flight path configurations are used to increase path length, then path length is increased, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The inner electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as the central reference for orbital motion, generates the electrostatic field that confines ions radially, and defines the geometry for time-of-flight separation. The outer electrode similarly serves multiple roles including field definition and ion confinement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic orbital motion of ions around the inner electrode. Ions complete a predetermined number of orbits (e.g., 7 orbits) at regular intervals, with each orbit representing a periodic cycle of motion. This periodic action naturally extends the flight path length through repeated cycles without requiring complex non-repetitive configurations, maintaining simplicity through regularity.
3Length of stationary object
If additional optical devices are added to extend flight path, then flight path length is increased, but device complexity and cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic field generated by the inner and outer electrodes automatically confines and guides the ions along their orbital paths without requiring additional optical devices. The field itself performs the function of ion confinement and path definition, eliminating the need for separate magnetic lenses, electrostatic lenses, or other optical elements that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for additional optical devices by utilizing the fundamental electrostatic field between the inner and outer electrodes for ion confinement and guidance. Instead of adding complex optical systems, the invention extracts the essential function of ion path control from separate components and integrates it into the basic electrode structure, thereby reducing manufacturing requirements.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fringe field correction electrodes are added to correct field distortion, then field uniformity is improved, but device complexity and sensitivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves field uniformity by carefully controlling the geometric parameters and voltage ratios of the inner and outer electrodes rather than adding correction electrodes. By optimizing the electrode dimensions, spacing, and applied voltages, the electrostatic field naturally provides uniform radial confinement without requiring additional fringing field correction elements that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the need for fringe field correction electrodes by designing the inner and outer electrode geometry and voltage configuration to inherently produce a uniform radial field. The field uniformity is extracted as an intrinsic property of the optimized electrode system rather than being added through separate correction components, thereby maintaining simplicity.
5Length of stationary object
If multiple reflections are used to increase flight path, then flight path length is increased, but sensitivity and resolution are reduced due to obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear back-and-forth reflections to two-dimensional orbital motion around the inner electrode. This dimensional change allows ions to complete multiple orbits without repeatedly passing through the same aperture regions, thereby avoiding the resolution-degrading effects of multiple aperture crossings while still achieving extended flight path length through the orbital cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of multiple aperture crossings (which cause sensitivity and resolution loss) into a benefit by using continuous orbital motion that minimizes aperture interactions. The orbital path allows ions to spend most of their time in field-free regions away from apertures, converting the constraint of limited aperture access into an advantage for maintaining resolution while achieving long effective flight paths.
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 approach enables efficient ion separation based on time of flight with increased flight path length, achieving high mass resolution without the drawbacks of complex configurations or sensitivity reduction, allowing for longer flight paths without instrument enlargement.
Implementation Method 1
Time-of-flight mass spectrometers are widely used to determine the mass to charge ratio of charged particles on the basis of their flight time along a path
Implementation Method 2
providing an analyzer comprising two opposing ion mirrors, each mirror comprising inner and outer field-defining electrode systems
Implementation Method 3
the outer field-defining electrode system surrounding the inner field-defining electrode system and creating therebetween an analyzer volume
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of radial oscillations whilst orbiting about one or more inner field-defining electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An analyzer for separating ions according to their time of flight comprising two opposing ion mirrors abutting at a first plane, each mirror comprising inner and outer field-defining electrode systems elongated along an analyzer axis, the outer field-defining electrode system surrounding the inner field-defining electrode system. The outer field-defining electrode system of one mirror comprises two sections, the sections abutting at a second plane, comprising a first section between the first plane and the second plane, and a second section adjacent to the first section. The first section has at least a portion which extends radially from the analyzer axis a greater extent than an adjacent portion of the second section at the second plane. The outer field-defining electrode system comprises an exit port and the analyzer comprises a detector located downstream of the exit port.