Laser-Assisted Sample Transfer to Solution for Chemical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser desorption techniques are limited in their ability to desorb and ionize analytes present at the surface, hindering effective chemical analysis at the micron level.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a laser-assisted transfer of analytes to a solution, involving a specimen stage, a sampling probe, and a laser source to desorb analytes with a solvent, forming a testing solution that can be analyzed using mass spectrometry or other analytical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laser desorption techniques are used, then surface analysis capability is achieved, but ionization efficiency and desorption effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid solvent as an intermediary medium between the laser beam and the analyte. The solvent absorbs laser energy and transfers it to the analyte through solvation, enabling efficient desorption and ionization without direct laser-analyte interaction. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining surface analysis capability while dramatically improving ionization efficiency through the mediating solvent layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and energy transfer parameters by using liquid solvent instead of direct gas-phase laser desorption. The solvent's high heat capacity and molecular mobility enable more efficient energy transfer from laser to analyte, transforming the desorption mechanism from direct photodesorption to solvent-mediated thermal and mechanical ejection, thereby improving reliability.
2Reliability
If electrospray ionization is used, then ionization capability is improved, but device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electrospray mechanical system (high voltage power supplies, specialized spray chambers, precise positioning systems) with a simpler laser-based system. The laser provides energy for both desorption and ionization in a single step, eliminating the need for separate electrospray hardware and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ionization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the desorption and ionization functions into a single laser-induced process occurring in the liquid phase. Instead of separate electrospray ionization following desorption, the laser simultaneously accomplishes both tasks through the solvent medium, simplifying the system architecture and operational procedures.
3Productivity
If laser energy is increased to improve desorption, then desorption efficiency increases, but sample damage and background noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid solvent acts as a buffer and energy distributor, absorbing excess laser energy and distributing it uniformly throughout the liquid volume. This prevents localized overheating and sample degradation that would occur with direct high-energy laser irradiation, allowing high desorption efficiency without sample damage or increased background noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy absorption and distribution parameters by introducing the solvent medium. The solvent's high specific heat capacity and molecular mobility allow it to absorb and distribute laser energy uniformly, preventing thermal runaway and sample decomposition while maintaining high desorption rates through controlled thermal and mechanical processes.
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
Enables the efficient desorption and analysis of a wide range of molecular weights, including large molecules and small molecules, with improved ionization capabilities compared to conventional methods, allowing for detailed chemical composition mapping.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source for emitting a laser beam centered at the radiation wavelength (λ) toward the specimen stage
Implementation Method 2
improved ionization capabilities compared to conventional methods
Implementation Method 3
capturing the desorbed analyte with a suspended solvent to form a testing solution
Implementation Method 4
The liquid introduced into the tube or capillary is dispersed and emitted as fine electrically charged droplets (plume) by the applied electrical field generated between the tube or capillary which is held at high voltage
Implementation Method 5
an analytical instrument for determining a chemical composition of an analyte in a testing solution comprising the solvent
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for laser ablation of an analyte from a specimen and capturing of the analyte in a dispensed solvent to form a testing solution. A solvent dispensing and extraction system can form a liquid microjunction with the specimen. The solvent dispensing and extraction system can include a surface sampling probe. The laser beam can be directed through the surface sampling probe. The surface sampling probe can also serve as an atomic force microscopy probe. The surface sampling probe can form a seal with the specimen. The testing solution including the analyte can then be analyzed using an analytical instrument or undergo further processing.