Ion Optics Drain for Residual Ion Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion mobility separation devices in mass spectrometers face the challenge of chemical cross-talk due to residual ions from one sample contaminating data from another, leading to inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
An ion removal mechanism is integrated into the ion optics assembly, utilizing a DC potential to create an electric field that expels residual ions, either by applying a voltage to multipole array poles or using drain electrodes to radially eject ions, thereby reducing chemical cross-talk between samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different analytes are monitored simultaneously using ion mobility separation, then selectivity and processing capability are improved, but chemical cross-talk increases due to residual ions contaminating data from other samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes residual ions from the ion optics assembly using a dedicated ion removal mechanism. This mechanism applies a DC potential to create an electric field that expels residual ions from the ion mobility filter, preventing them from contaminating subsequent sample analyses and eliminating chemical cross-talk between multiple analytes
2Measurement precision
If ion residence time is extended to improve separation quality, then ion mobility filtering is enhanced, but chemical cross-talk increases due to longer presence of residual ions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by removing residual ions from the ion optics assembly before introducing the next sample. The ion removal mechanism is activated between samples to clear out any remaining ions from the previous analysis, ensuring that subsequent measurements are not contaminated and eliminating chemical cross-talk
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an ion removal mechanism is added to remove residual ions, then chemical cross-talk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ion removal mechanism with the existing ion optics assembly. The DC potential application system is integrated into the ion mobility filter structure, combining the ion filtering and ion removal functions into a single unified device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective residual ion removal
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 ion removal mechanism effectively eliminates residual ions, significantly reducing chemical cross-talk and improving data accuracy by ensuring cleaner sample analysis in mass spectrometers.
Implementation Method 1
The ion removal mechanism can include a power supply for applying a DC potential to at least two poles of the multipole array configured to remove residual ions from the ion optics assembly. The ion removal mechanism can apply a DC potential to create an electric field between at least two of the poles of the multipole array to expel the residual ions away from the ion optics assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The ion removal mechanism applies a DC potential to create an electric field that expels residual ions, either by applying a voltage to multipole array poles or using drain electrodes to radially eject ions
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample analysis system incorporates an ion removal mechanism for removing residual ions from the sample analysis system. The ion removal mechanism can be included in an ion optics assembly, which connects an ion mobility filter to a mass analyzer. A sample to be analyzed by the sample analysis system may be entered into an ion mobility filter. The ion mobility filter filters the ions of the sample and passes the filtered group of ions to the ion optics assembly. The ion optics assembly transports the filtered group of ions to a mass analyzer where some or all of the ions in the group are detected. The ion removal mechanism then removes all or substantially all residual ions from the ion optics that were left over from the first filtered group before a second filtered group is passed through.