Ion Trap Mass Spectrum Sorting and Integration for Space Charge Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion trap mass spectrometry systems face challenges in obtaining a good mass spectrum due to variations in ion production influenced by space charges, leading to unstable peak widths and mass-to-charge ratios, especially when using MALDI ion sources, which complicates integration and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A spectrum calculation processing device that acquires, sorts, and integrates mass spectrums based on a specific physical quantity reflecting the amount of ions, allowing users to select and display spectrums in order of ion quantity, thereby eliminating the need for spectrum correction and adjustment of analysis conditions to reduce space charge influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple mass spectrums are integrated to improve S/N ratio, then signal quality improves, but peak width variation due to space charges prevents good integration results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the specific physical quantity (integral value) for each mass spectrum before integration, and sorting the spectrums in descending order of this quantity. This preliminary sorting ensures that spectrums with similar ion amounts and consistent peak widths are integrated together, preventing peak width variation issues while maintaining high S/N ratio through multiple spectrum integration
2Measurement precision
If mass axis correction is performed based on ion accumulation amount, then mass accuracy improves, but peak width and other spectral characteristics remain affected by space charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic factor (space charge influence on peak width) from the mass spectrum analysis by sorting spectrums based on their integral values before integration. This extraction approach separates the mass axis correction function from the peak width consistency issue, allowing mass accuracy to be improved through correction while preventing peak width variation through selective integration of spectrums with similar characteristics
3Manufacturing precision
If analysis conditions are adjusted to reduce space charge influence, then peak width consistency improves, but analysis complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by automatically calculating the integral value for each mass spectrum, sorting the spectrums in descending order of this value, and selecting spectrums for integration based on predetermined criteria. This automated process eliminates the need for manual adjustment of analysis conditions to reduce space charge influence, achieving peak width consistency while minimizing analysis time and 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
This approach enables the easy acquisition of a good mass spectrum by integrating spectrums with specific physical quantities, reducing the labor and time required for adjustments, and providing a consistent reference for future analyses by storing the integrated spectrum and selection range.
Implementation Method 1
Ion trap mass spectrometers that use ion traps capturing ions by electric fields
Implementation Method 2
ions are produced by irradiating a sample with laser light
Implementation Method 3
Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Digital Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (MALDI-DIT-MS)
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrum acquirer acquires a plurality of mass spectrums. A specific physical quantity calculator calculates a specific physical quantity reflecting an amount of ions with respect to each of the plurality of obtained mass spectrums. A spectrum sorter sorts the plurality of mass spectrums in order of the specific physical quantity calculated with respect to each mass spectrum. A display controller allows a display to display the plurality of sorted mass spectrums. A spectrum selector selects a plurality of mass spectrums having specific physical quantities in a designated range from the plurality of displayed mass spectrums. A post-selection spectrum integrator integrates the plurality of selected mass spectrums. The display controller allows the display to display the post-selection integrated mass spectrum.