Ion Trap Electrode Segmentation for Precise Ion Dissociation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ion trap mass spectrometry faces challenges in accurately performing mass spectrometry when ions are dissociated, as existing methods lack precision in capturing and separating ions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An ion trap mass spectrometer with a first electrode and a second electrode, where a first voltage controller periodically switches DC voltages and a second voltage controller applies a sine-wave voltage to the second electrode during ion dissociation, enabling accurate mass spectrometry by resonant excitation and selective ion capture and ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a square-wave voltage is applied to the ion trap electrode for ion capture, then ion capture efficiency is improved, but mass separation precision deteriorates due to the need for additional resonator components and high-voltage power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ion trap electrode into two independent electrodes: a first electrode for ion capture using square-wave voltage and a second electrode for mass separation using sine-wave voltage. This segmentation allows each electrode to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between capture efficiency and separation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ion trap system multi-functional by enabling the first electrode to perform ion capture and the second electrode to perform mass separation simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional resonator components and high-voltage power supplies that would be required in a single-electrode system, thereby maintaining precision while improving efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If additional resonator components and high-voltage power supplies are added for mass separation, then mass separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves mass separation capability using only the existing ion trap electrodes by applying different voltage waveforms to different electrodes. The second electrode uses sine-wave voltage for resonant excitation of ions, enabling mass separation without requiring additional resonator components or high-voltage power supplies, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion trap electrodes serve dual purposes: the first electrode captures ions and the second electrode performs mass separation. The system uses its own existing components (the two electrodes) to achieve both functions, eliminating the need for external resonator components and high-voltage power supplies, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving separation capability.
3Measurement precision
If DC voltage is switched periodically among multiple values for ion manipulation, then ion control precision is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage control function into two independent controllers: a first voltage controller that periodically switches DC voltage among multiple values for ion capture and manipulation, and a second voltage controller that applies sine-wave voltage for mass separation. This segmentation allows each controller to handle specific control tasks independently, improving ion control precision while managing operational complexity through functional separation.
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 configuration allows for precise and accurate mass spectrometry by enhancing ion capture, dissociation, and separation, as demonstrated by improved signal-to-noise ratios in product ion spectra compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
ions are captured by application of a sine-wave voltage or a square-wave voltage to an electrode arranged around the space in which ions are captured
Implementation Method 2
a second voltage controller that applies a sine-wave voltage to the second electrode when ions captured in the ion trap are dissociated
Data Source
AI summary
An ion trap mass spectrometer includes an ion trap including a first electrode and a second electrode different from the first electrode, a first voltage controller that periodically switches a DV voltage among DC voltages having a plurality of values and apply the DV voltages to the first electrode, and a second voltage controller that applies a sine-wave voltage to the second electrode when ions captured in the ion trap are dissociated.