Ion Mobility Separation with In-Region Ion Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion separation methods face issues such as ion heating and fragmentation due to high voltage transfer, leading to reduced duty cycle and ion loss in ion mobility separators.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an ion mobility separator with a first region that functions as both an accumulation and separation region, allowing successive populations of ions to be accumulated and separated within the separator without rapid transfer, using an upstream accumulation region to manage ion flow and prevent fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high voltage extraction field is applied to rapidly transfer ions from ion trap to ion mobility separator, then transfer speed is improved, but ion heating and fragmentation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the accumulation region and separation region into a single first region within the ion mobility separator. This allows ions to be accumulated and separated in the same spatial location, eliminating the need for rapid transfer between separate regions and thereby avoiding ion heating and fragmentation caused by high voltage extraction fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The first region of the ion mobility separator is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both an accumulation region for gathering ion populations and as a separation region for ion mobility separation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate accumulation and separation regions, allowing continuous operation without rapid ion transfers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If slower transfer of ions from ion trap is used, then ion heating and fragmentation are reduced, but duty cycle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous accumulation of ion populations in the first region while maintaining separation capability. By accumulating successive ion populations continuously in the same region where separation occurs, the system maintains high duty cycle without requiring rapid transfers, thus avoiding ion heating and fragmentation.
3Manufacturing precision
If ion cloud is driven far into ion mobility separator, then separation efficiency is improved, but ion loss at front region increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accumulates the ion population in the first region before initiating separation. This preliminary accumulation ensures that ions are properly positioned and concentrated at the starting point of the separation region, maximizing separation efficiency while minimizing ion loss at the front region during the separation process.
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 a 100% duty cycle by avoiding ion heating and fragmentation, ensuring efficient ion separation with minimal loss, and maintaining high resolution and performance.
Implementation Method 1
accumulating a first or preceding population of ions in a first region of an ion mobility separator
Implementation Method 2
separating the first or preceding population of ions according to their ion mobility in the first region of the ion mobility separator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a method of separating ions according to their ion mobility, comprising (i) accumulating a first population of ions in a first region (12) of an ion mobility separator (10), (ii) separating said first population of ions according to their ion mobility in said first region (12) of said ion mobility separator (10), and (iii) accumulating a second population of ions in said first region (12) of said ion mobility separator (10) whilst said first population of ions are being separated according to their ion mobility in said ion mobility separator (10).