Ion Mobility Separator Hadamard Control for Space Charge Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ion mobility separators in mass spectrometers operate by sequentially opening channels, leading to space charge effects, ion heating, fragmentation, and ion wastage due to high accumulation in channels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Hadamard algorithm to control the opening of distinct sets of channels in ion mobility separators, allowing simultaneous ejection of ions during each pulse, thereby reducing ion accumulation and associated issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If channels are opened sequentially to eject accumulated ions, then ion separation is achieved, but space charge effects and ion heating occur due to high accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic ejection cycles where channels are opened and closed in repeating patterns. Multiple channels are opened simultaneously for defined periods, allowing ions to be ejected in periodic bursts rather than continuous accumulation, thereby reducing space charge effects while maintaining separation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The ion mobility separator is divided into multiple independent channels that can be controlled separately. By segmenting the ejection process across multiple channels and time periods, the system distributes ion accumulation across different spatial and temporal segments, preventing excessive concentration in any single channel
2Measurement precision
If channels are opened sequentially to eject accumulated ions, then ion separation is achieved, but ion fragmentation occurs due to high accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
Periodic ejection cycles prevent ions from accumulating to harmful levels by establishing regular discharge intervals. This periodic action maintains ion integrity by ejecting ions before accumulation reaches thresholds that would cause fragmentation, while still achieving separation through the multi-channel periodic ejection pattern
3Measurement precision
If channels are opened sequentially to eject accumulated ions, then ion separation is achieved, but ion wastage occurs due to high accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous ion separation action across multiple channels through overlapping ejection cycles. While some channels are ejecting ions, others are accumulating, creating a continuous useful action that prevents ion wastage by ensuring ions are processed efficiently through the system without excessive accumulation or loss
Solution Approach 2:
Periodic ejection patterns ensure that ions are discharged at optimal intervals before wastage occurs. The periodic cycling of channel openings and closings creates efficient turnover, preventing ions from remaining in channels long enough to be lost or degraded while maintaining continuous separation capability
4Loss of substance
If multiple channels are opened simultaneously to reduce ion accumulation, then ion wastage is reduced, but signal detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic ejection pattern creates predictable, repeating signal patterns from multiple channels. This regularity allows the detection system to anticipate signal arrivals and use time-correlated processing to distinguish overlapping signals, reducing detection complexity despite simultaneous multi-channel operation
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the detection process to correspond with segmented channel ejection patterns, the system can process signals from multiple channels in an organized manner. The periodic segmentation of which channels are active at which times creates a structured detection framework that manages complexity
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 enhances efficiency by preventing space charge effects, ion heating, and wastage while allowing for lower channel capacity, improving overall ion mobility separator performance.
Implementation Method 1
separate ions within a sample based on ion mobility properties of the ions
Implementation Method 2
ions may be introduced into the gas flow region having a flow of gas in a first direction
Implementation Method 3
an electric field in a second direction... the electric field directs the ions in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse control system may obtain, for each ion pulse included in a plurality of ion pulses, a signal acquired by a mass analyzer for ions ejected from a distinct set of channels of an ion mobility separator having a plurality of channels and determine, based on the signals for the plurality of ion pulses and a Hadamard algorithm, a signal associated with the ions ejected from a channel of the ion mobility separator.