Ion Mobility Analyzer With Rotating Electric Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion mobility spectrometry devices face challenges in achieving high resolution and low ion diffusion due to limitations in drift gas control and electric field stability, leading to reduced sensitivity and ion loss, especially in devices requiring long drift distances or low electric fields.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic ion mobility analyzer with a rotating electric field and confinement electrodes allows for adjustable ion drift velocities and radial focusing, enabling longer drift distances and improved resolution by creating a stable 'drift gas' equivalent, reducing ion diffusion, and enhancing ion separation and storage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drift distance is increased to improve ion mobility resolution, then resolution is improved, but ion diffusion increases leading to ion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic rotating electric field that continuously changes direction and magnitude to counteract ion diffusion. The electric field rotates in synchronization with ion drift, creating a dynamic balancing effect that prevents ion loss while maintaining long drift distances for high resolution separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts electric field parameters (strength, direction, rotation speed) to match ion mobility characteristics. By changing electric field parameters in real-time, the system optimizes ion confinement and prevents diffusion-related ion loss during long drift sequences.
2Measurement precision
If electric field strength is reduced to improve ion separation precision, then separation precision is improved, but ion drift velocity decreases leading to longer analysis time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic rotation of the electric field that creates oscillating ion motion patterns. This periodic action allows ions to drift at reduced field strengths while the rotating component continuously propels them forward, achieving both precise separation and reasonable analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotating electric field adjusts its rotation speed and amplitude to optimize the balance between drift velocity and separation precision. By dynamically modulating field parameters, the system achieves high precision separation without excessive analysis time.
3Speed
If drift gas flow is increased to improve ion transport speed, then transport speed is improved, but ion diffusion increases reducing resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the rotating electric field as a counterbalancing force that opposes the diffusive effect of drift gas flow. The electric field generates a restoring force that counteracts ion dispersion caused by gas flow, allowing fast transport while maintaining resolution.
4Measurement precision
If device length is increased to improve separation resolution, then resolution is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static long drift tube with a dynamic rotating electric field system that achieves equivalent or superior resolution in a more compact configuration. The dynamic field creates virtual drift path extensions without physically extending the device, reducing complexity while maintaining resolution.
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 higher ion mobility resolution, reduced ion loss, and improved sensitivity by maintaining ion balance and stability within the analyzer, allowing for more effective separation and storage of ions with different mobilities.
Implementation Method 1
the separation mechanism of ion mobility spectrometry is based on the difference of ion mobility in gas phase whose nature is size and shape of ion
Implementation Method 2
Under the effect of electric field and the collision with neutral molecules, there are directional movements in axial direction besides diffusion
Implementation Method 3
confinement electrodes and a power supply to apply voltage on the confinement electrodes for confining ions in at least one direction that is approximately perpendicular to the space axis
Implementation Method 4
Under the effect of electric field and the collision with neutral molecules, there are directional movements in axial direction besides diffusion
Data Source
AI summary
An ion mobility analyzer, combination device thereof, and ion mobility analysis method. The ion mobility analyzer comprises an electrode system that surrounds the analytical space and a power device that attaches to the electrode system an ion mobility electric potential field that moves along one space axis. During the process of analyzing mobility of ions to be measured, by always placing the ions to be measured in the moving ion mobility electric potential field, and keeping the movement direction of the ion mobility electric potential field consistent with the direction of the electric field on the ions to be measured within the ion mobility electric potential field, theoretically a mobility path of an infinite length can be formed so as to distinguish ions having mobility or ion cross sections that have very small differences.