Ion Mobility Separator With Electrode Grid for Higher MS Duty Cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filtering type mass spectrometry devices, such as quadrupole mass spectrometers, face inefficiencies due to limited capacity for ion accumulation and separation, leading to wasted ions when analyzing complex samples, as they can only transmit ions of a single m/z ratio at a time, while existing ion sources generate ions at a higher rate than what these devices can handle.
Innovation Solution
An ion mobility device using a two-dimensional grid of electrodes to generate an electric field, allowing for the separation of ions based on their mobility, which enables the accumulation and sequential ejection of ions into a mass analyzer, thereby increasing the efficiency of ion separation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a filtering type mass spectrometry device transmits ions of a single m/z ratio at a time, then the mass analysis precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to reduced duty cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The ion mobility separator performs preliminary separation of ions by mobility before they enter the quadrupole mass filter. This pre-separation organizes ions into mobility-based groups, allowing the quadrupole to efficiently analyze multiple m/z ratios sequentially without missing ions, thus improving duty cycle while maintaining mass analysis precision
Solution Approach 2:
The ion beam is segmented into multiple groups based on ion mobility in the ion mobility separator. Each segment corresponds to ions with similar mobility characteristics, allowing the system to process multiple segments sequentially through the quadrupole, thereby increasing overall productivity while maintaining analytical precision for each segment
2Productivity
If multiple analytes are targeted simultaneously by switching between ions, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to scheduling difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The ion mobility separator acts as an intermediary device between the ion source and the quadrupole mass filter. It separates ions by mobility before they reach the quadrupole, providing a pre-organized ion stream that eliminates scheduling conflicts and allows the quadrupole to accurately analyze multiple analytes sequentially without compromising measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Ions are pre-separated by mobility before entering the quadrupole, creating distinct mobility-based groups. This preliminary organization allows the system to switch between multiple analytes smoothly and accurately, as each analyte's ions are already grouped and ready for sequential analysis, improving both productivity and precision
3Productivity
If ion accumulation capacity is increased to handle higher ion loads, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ion mobility separator serves as an intermediary accumulation device with high ion capacity between the ion source and the quadrupole. It temporarily stores and organizes large numbers of ions by mobility, then releases them in manageable groups to the quadrupole, thereby increasing overall ion handling capacity without requiring the quadrupole itself to be more complex
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 the ion separation efficiency by allowing multiple ions to be accumulated and analyzed sequentially, overcoming the capacity limitations of traditional mass spectrometers and improving the duty cycle, enabling the handling of higher ion loads from advanced ion sources.
Implementation Method 1
a mobility separation device configured to separate ions received from the source based on the mobility in a gas. The mobility device is configured to separate ions received from the source based on the mobility in a gas
Implementation Method 2
The mobility device is configured to separate ions received from the source based on the mobility in a gas. The mobility separation device provides a gas flow in a first direction and an electric field gradient along a second direction
Implementation Method 3
An ion mobility device using a two-dimensional grid of electrodes to generate an electric field, allowing for the separation of ions based on their mobility
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for analyzing a sample includes a source; a mobility separator configured to separate ions based on a mobility in a gas; a plurality of ion channels; and a mass analyzer. The mobility separator includes a two-dimensional grid of electrodes spanning a passage between first and second walls. The first and second walls include an inlet aperture and a plurality of exit apertures, respectively. The two-dimensional grid of electrodes configured to generate an electric field within the passage. The plurality of ion channels arranged adjacent to the plurality of exit apertures. Movement of ions between the inlet aperture and the plurality of exit apertures are governed by the electric field and a gas flow through the passage between to the first and second walls such that the ions are sorted and directed to different channels based on their respective mobility.