Closed-Loop Ion Mobility Separation With a Moving Field Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trapped ion mobility separators (TIMS) face limitations in resolution and charge capacity, and there is a need to enhance the analysis capabilities of hybrid mass spectrometric systems.
Innovation Solution
A trapped ion mobility separator with a moving electric field barrier that moves cyclically or periodically around a closed loop ion guide, varying operating parameters such as movement speed, electric field strength, gas pressure, and temperature to separate ions based on their mobility, using a gas at rest to improve resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a moving electric field barrier is used to separate ions, then mobility resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a moving electric field barrier that dynamically shifts position along the ion guide during ion separation. This dynamic field configuration enables continuous ion mobility analysis with high resolution by creating a time-dependent separation mechanism, where the barrier position is controlled to optimize ion ejection timing and resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric field barrier operates periodically, moving back and forth along the ion guide in a cyclic manner. This periodic motion creates repeated separation cycles that enhance resolution through multiple passes, allowing ions to be separated and re-separated, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a gas at rest is used instead of moving gas, then mobility resolution is improved, but charge capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a static gas environment combined with a dynamic moving electric field barrier. The gas remains at rest to provide stable collision conditions for high-resolution separation, while the moving field barrier dynamically transports ions through the separation region, compensating for the lack of gas flow to maintain adequate charge capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gas flow system with an electric field-based ion transport mechanism. Instead of using moving gas to carry ions through the separator, the invention uses a moving electric field barrier to exert forces on ions, transporting them through the static gas environment. This substitution maintains resolution while managing charge capacity through electrical rather than mechanical means.
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
The method and device significantly enhance mobility resolution and charge capacity by allowing ions to be separated and ejected efficiently, reducing radial dependence and enabling the use of costlier gases like helium, while maintaining high velocity and controlled ion movement.
Implementation Method 1
ions are separated according to their ion mobility along said drift length of the ion guide
Implementation Method 2
generating an axial force that is imparted to the ions along said drift length of said ion guide by applying potentials to the electrodes for forming at least one electric field barrier within said ion guide
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for separating ions and a trapped ion mobility separator. The trapped ion mobility separator comprises an ion guide extending in a closed loop which contains a gas substantially at rest through which ions pass. An axial force acting on the ions is provided, being caused by an electric field barrier providing an electric field gradient that moves around the ion guide, and having an effect on the movement of the ions that is dependent on ion mobility. At least one operating parameter of the trapped ion mobility separator, which has an impact on the mobility separation, is varied as a function of time, so that the ions are pushed controlled along the moving electric field barrier towards a high potential end of the electric field barrier, wherein the ions are ejected laterally from the ion guide before slipping over said electric field barrier.