Ion Trap Logical Operations for MS/MS Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry techniques face limitations in efficiently interrogating and analyzing complex chemical structures, particularly in performing logical operations and distinguishing between chemical species in MS/MS experiments, especially with single ion trap systems which lack the flexibility to conduct advanced scans like triple quadrupole instruments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mass spectrometer with one or more ion traps and a central processing unit that applies specific scan functions, including inverse Mathieu q scans, broadband sum of sines, and beat frequencies to perform advanced logical operations such as precursor ion, neutral loss, and triple resonance scans, enabling efficient ion analysis and differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ion trap system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform advanced logical operations and distinguish between chemical species deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic waveform generation to the ion trap system, where the control system dynamically adjusts and combines multiple scan functions (inverse Mathieu q scans, broadband sum of sines, beat frequencies) in real-time. This dynamic control enables a single ion trap to perform multiple logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, XOR, NAND, NOR) that would traditionally require multiple fixed-function analyzers, thereby resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single ion trap system universal by implementing a control system that can perform all six basic logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, XOR, NAND, NOR) through programmable waveform combinations. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace multiple specialized instruments, achieving versatility without increasing physical system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If standard mass-selective instability method is used, then measurement precision is maintained, but the speed and efficiency of chemical analysis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through sequential execution of multiple scan functions within a single trapping period. The control system cycles through inverse Mathieu q scans, broadband sum of sines, and beat frequency applications in rapid succession, allowing the system to perform multiple analytical operations (precursor ion scan, neutral loss scan, product ion scan) without releasing ions between steps. This periodic multi-step process maintains measurement precision while dramatically increasing analysis throughput compared to traditional single-step methods.
3Measurement precision
If chromatographic separation and high mass resolution are used, then chemical specificity is improved, but device complexity and analysis time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the chemical specificity function from external chromatographic systems and high-resolution mass analyzers, relocating these capabilities into the ion trap through intelligent waveform control. By performing logical operations directly on trapped ions using inverse Mathieu q scans and broadband excitation, the system achieves chemical specificity without requiring physical separation columns or complex high-resolution analyzers, thereby simplifying the overall system configuration while maintaining analytical power.
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 ability to conduct complex MS/MS experiments with a single ion trap, achieving equivalent results to triple quadrupole systems, improving selectivity, sensitivity, and molecular coverage, and allowing for the identification of artifact peaks and chemical structures.
Implementation Method 1
function generators to produce a low amplitude dipolar ac signal with swept frequency
Implementation Method 2
a pure compound which has been caused to fragment by a method like collision-induced dissociation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to logical operations in mass spectrometry. The system comprising a mass spectrometer comprising one or more ion traps; and a central processing unit (CPU), and storage coupled to the CPU for storing instructions that when executed by the CPU cause the system to apply one or more scan functions to the one or more ion traps, the scan functions being combine together.