Electrostatic Linear Ion Trap Duty Cycle for Precise Charge Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic linear ion traps (ELIT) face limitations in reducing uncertainties in mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and ion charge measurements, hindering further improvements in measurement resolution.
Innovation Solution
An instrument design incorporating an electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) with specific dimensions and voltage control mechanisms to achieve a 50% duty cycle for oscillating ions, enhancing charge detection precision by minimizing harmonic frequency components in the oscillating charge detection signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ions are made to oscillate back and forth through the charge detection cylinder multiple times, then charge measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by making ions oscillate back and forth through the charge detection cylinder multiple times at regular intervals. This periodic traversal allows multiple charge measurements to be taken from the same ion without requiring multiple ions or extended observation periods, thereby improving charge measurement precision while controlling measurement time.
2Measurement precision
If the number of measurements per ion is increased, then charge measurement uncertainty decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using ion mirrors that can be dynamically controlled to reflect ions back through the charge detection cylinder. The mirrors' ability to change their reflective state allows the system to generate multiple measurements from a single ion trajectory without requiring multiple static detection elements, thus reducing device complexity while improving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If duty cycle is optimized to 50%, then measurement resolution is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by optimizing the duty cycle of the ion oscillation to exactly 50%. This specific parameter optimization ensures that ions spend equal time traversing the charge detection cylinder in each direction, maximizing measurement resolution. The control system adjusts timing parameters to achieve this optimal duty cycle while managing control 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
The 50% duty cycle reduces uncertainty in ion charge measurements and mass-to-charge ratio determinations, improving the overall measurement resolution and accuracy of the ELIT.
Implementation Method 1
at least one voltage source coupled to the first and second ion mirrors, the at least one voltage source configured to establish electric fields in each of the first and second ion mirrors to reflect the trapped at least one ion entering a respective one of the first and second ion mirrors from the charge detection cylinder back through the charge detection cylinder
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) configured to receive and trap at least one of the generated ions therein, the ELIT including first and second ion mirrors and a charge detection cylinder positioned between the first and second ion mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument for analyzing ions includes at least one separation instrument configured to produce a flow of a sample solution in which molecules in the sample solution are separated as a function of at least one molecular characteristic, an ion source to generate ions from the sample solution flow, and an electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) to receive and trap ions exiting the at least one ion processing instrument. The ELIT is configured such that trapped ions oscillate back and forth through a charge detection cylinder between first and second ion mirrors at opposite ends of the cylinder with a duty cycle, corresponding to a ratio of time spent by the trapped ions traversing the charge detection cylinder and total time spent by the trapped ions traversing a combination of the first and second ion mirrors and the charge detection cylinder during one complete oscillation cycle, of approximately 50%.