Ion Mobility Deposition Switching for High-Utilization Ion Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ion deposition methods are limited by the need for selective deposition of ions based on mass and are impractical due to the slow deposition process, leading to inefficiencies and low ion utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for ion manipulation that involves separating ions based on ion mobility and arrival time, allowing for selective deposition of ions on a substrate by using an ion manipulation apparatus with a separation region, switch, and deposition region, enabling concurrent ion separation and accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If previous mass selective ion deposition approaches are used, then ion mass selectivity is achieved, but deposition rate is extremely slow and ion utilization is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion mass selectivityVSAvoiddeposition rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ion separation process is segmented into multiple stages: initial mass selection, ion mobility separation, and final deposition. This multi-stage segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, achieving both high selectivity and high deposition rates simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ions are pre-separated by mass and ion mobility before deposition. This preliminary action of pre-sorting ions according to multiple parameters (mass and mobility) enables the final deposition step to occur rapidly with high ion utilization efficiency, resolving the contradiction between selectivity and deposition rate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If ion mobility separation is performed, then ion separation resolution is improved, but analysis time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion separation resolutionVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ion mobility separation operates continuously with ions being constantly separated and directed to deposition. This continuous operation maintains high resolution separation while minimizing analysis time, as the separation process does not require stopping or resetting between measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts electric field parameters and ion mobility conditions to optimize separation resolution. By changing parameters such as electric field strength and gas pressure, the system achieves high resolution separation in reduced timeframes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If selective ion deposition is implemented, then deposition precision is improved, but ion utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposition precisionVSAvoidion utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses real-time monitoring of ion arrival times and deposition rates to provide feedback for optimizing the separation and deposition process. This feedback mechanism ensures that only the necessary ion selection criteria are applied, maintaining high deposition precision while maximizing ion utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial selection criteria (mass and ion mobility) rather than exhaustive selection. This partial action approach achieves sufficient deposition precision for the application while avoiding the excessive ion rejection that would reduce utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 achieves high ion utilization efficiency, allowing for rapid and selective deposition of ions with near 100% utilization, reducing analysis time and increasing throughput while maintaining high resolution.

Implementation Method 1

separating the group of ions in the separation region based on ion mobility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon mobility: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 2

switching the deposition switch to direct the separated ions to the deposition region based on the ion arrival time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon switching: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

depositing the selected subset of ions on a substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS12354835B2Systems and methods for selective molecular ion deposition

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 BATTELLE MEMORIAL INST

AI summary

Methods include directing a group of ions through a separation region of an ion manipulation apparatus, separating the group of ions in the separation region based on ion mobility, selecting a subset of the group of ions based on a dependence between ion mobility and ion arrival time of the separated ions at a deposition switch of the ion manipulation apparatus, and depositing the selected subset of ions on a substrate. Related systems and ion manipulation apparatus are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and system that provide concurrent ion accumulation and ion separation in coupled and switchable electrode regions using traveling wave electric fields.