Iterative Ion Mobility Separation for High Resolution in Compact IMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) systems face challenges in achieving ultra-high resolution separations without increasing device size or requiring complex multipass designs, which are limited to specific configurations and lack flexibility in ion manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using ion mobility spectrometry devices that apply alternating traveling wave potentials to separate ions, allowing them to travel in opposite directions while maintaining separation, and include features like accumulation regions and selective ion removal to enhance resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the separation distance is increased to achieve ultra-high resolution ion mobility separations, then the ion mobility separation power is enhanced, but the device footprint and overall size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the separation process from a single linear dimension to multiple dimensions by implementing iterative cycles. Ions undergo multiple separation cycles in the same physical space, with each cycle providing additional separation. This allows ultra-high resolution separations to be achieved without proportionally increasing the device footprint, as the effective separation distance is multiplied through iteration rather than simple linear extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through iterative ion mobility separation cycles. The same separation region is used repeatedly in multiple cycles, with ions being separated, accumulated, and re-injected through the separation region iteratively. This periodic reuse of the separation space allows the system to achieve ultra-high resolution separations equivalent to much longer path lengths without requiring proportionally larger device dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If a multipass design is used to increase separation distance, then ultra-high resolution separations are achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional paths and ion switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a separation region that serves multiple functions: it performs ion mobility separation, accumulates separated ions, and re-injects them for subsequent separation cycles. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components like ion switches and additional guiding paths that would be required in traditional multipass systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ultra-high resolution separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the separation, accumulation, and re-injection functions into a single integrated separation region. Rather than using separate components for each function as in traditional multipass designs, the system combines these operations in one region, simplifying the overall device architecture while achieving the same ultra-high resolution separation performance.
3Productivity
If traditional multipass IMS design is implemented, then additional separation cycles are achieved, but ion loss increases due to complex path routing and ion switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential separation function from the complex multipass routing system. By removing the need for additional guiding paths and ion switches, the system eliminates the sources of ion loss associated with complex routing while retaining the iterative separation capability. The separation region itself is used repeatedly, and ions are directly accumulated and re-injected without intermediate routing steps that would cause loss.
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 achieves ultra-high resolution ion mobility separations efficiently, reducing ion loss and device size, and is applicable to a wide range of IMS devices, including SLIM, by iteratively separating and preserving ion packets.
Implementation Method 1
IMS is a technique for separating and identifying ions in the gaseous phase based on their mobilities. IMS relies on applying a constant or a time-varying electric field to a mixture of ions within a static or dynamic background gas.
Implementation Method 2
An ion having a larger mobility (or smaller collision cross section [CCS]) moves faster under the influence of the electric field compared to an ion with a smaller mobility (or larger CCS).
Data Source
AI summary
A method of separating ions based on mobility is provided. The method involves receiving ions by an ion mobility spectrometry device having a separation region, and causing the ions to travel through at least a portion of the separation region in a first direction along a path and separate based on ion mobility. The method further involves causing the separated ions to maintain a relative degree of separation therebetween and travel in a second direction along the path while maintaining the relative degree of separation therebetween. The second direction being opposite to the first direction. The ions are then caused to travel in the first direction along the path a second time to further separate the ions based on ion mobility. An ion mobility spectrometry device performing the foregoing method is also provided.