Ion Mobility Measurement Using Time-Varying Electric Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion mobility and mass spectrometry using time-varying electric fields face challenges in accurately disentangling the contributions of ion mobility and mass-to-charge ratio from transit time measurements, leading to unreliable calibration and measurement outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an algorithm or relationship to account for the dependence of ion transit time on both ion mobility and mass-to-charge ratio, allowing for accurate measurements by relating transit time or average ion velocity to device parameters and ion properties, using known values or calibration coefficients to determine ion mobility and mass-to-charge ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If time-varying electric fields are used for ion mobility separation, then ion separation capability is improved, but the ability to accurately determine ion mobility from transit time is worsened due to mass-to-charge ratio dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the functional relationship between transit time and ion properties by introducing a calibration curve that accounts for both ion mobility and mass-to-charge ratio. Instead of using a simple direct relationship, the invention transforms the measurement approach by incorporating multiple parameters (ion mobility K and mass-to-charge ratio m/q) into a unified calibration model, allowing accurate determination of ion mobility even when transit time depends on both properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a calibration curve as an intermediary element that mediates between the measured transit time and the desired ion mobility value. This calibration curve, which incorporates both ion mobility and mass-to-charge ratio dependencies, serves as a lookup table or computational model that translates raw transit time measurements into accurate ion mobility values, effectively decoupling the measurement from the confounding mass-to-charge ratio dependence
2Ease of operation
If transit time is used as the sole measurement parameter, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to mixed mass-to-charge ratio and ion mobility information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from a single-parameter (transit time only) model to a two-parameter model that incorporates both ion mobility and mass-to-charge ratio. The calibration curve T = f(K, m/q) allows the system to maintain measurement simplicity while improving precision by accounting for the additional mass-to-charge ratio dependence through pre-determined calibration data
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 precise ion mobility and mass-to-charge ratio measurements by effectively removing unwanted dependencies, improving calibration and measurement accuracy in ion mobility and mass spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
ion mobility separations to be performed using time-varying electric fields
Implementation Method 2
time-varying electric fields
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method of ion mobility and/or mass spectrometry is disclosed in which the ion mobility and/or mass to charge ratio of an ion is determined using an algorithm or relationship that relates the transit time or average ion velocity of the ion through an ion separation device in which one or more time-varying electric field is used to separate ions passing therethrough to one or more parameters for the device, the mass to charge ratio of the ion and the ion mobility of the ion.