Laser Desorption Electrospray Ionization Source with Sealed Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laser desorption electrospray ionization sources face inefficiencies in ionization and transmission of analyte molecules due to the impact point of laser pulses being between the Taylor cone and ion transfer tube, leading to low ion yield and detection sensitivity in mass spectrometry.
Innovation Solution
A laser desorption electrospray ionization source design where the impact point of laser pulses is positioned behind the Taylor cone of a hollow emission needle, with a sample platform and ion transfer tube within a sealed working chamber, utilizing negative pressure and proton-providing gases to enhance polarization and ionization of analyte molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the laser impact point is positioned between the Taylor cone and ion transfer tube, then the structure is simple, but the ionization efficiency is low and neutral molecules pollute the mass spectrometer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional laser impact point location from between the Taylor cone and ion transfer tube to behind the Taylor cone. This inversion allows evaporated analyte molecules to pass through the strong electric field region of the Taylor cone, enabling effective polarization and ionization before entering the mass spectrometer, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ionization efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the sample platform is open to the atmosphere, then the operation is simple, but the transmission efficiency of ionized molecules to the mass spectrometer is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealed working chamber that creates a controlled atmosphere between the sample platform and mass spectrometer. This sealed environment prevents atmospheric interference and enables efficient transport of ionized molecules from the electrospray source to the mass spectrometer inlet, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and transmission efficiency.
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 design significantly increases the ionization probability and transmission efficiency of analyte molecules to the mass spectrometer, improving detection sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Laser desorption ionization uses a pulse laser to irradiate sample molecules to vaporize and protonate them
Implementation Method 2
charged droplets formed by electrospraying to form ionized sample molecules
Implementation Method 3
Away from the Taylor cone 11, under a weak electric field, the analyte molecules may fail to become polarized
Implementation Method 4
the impact point of the laser pulses is located behind the Taylor cone 11 of the hollow emission needle 10 such that evaporated analyte molecules can be pulled by the negative voltage of the mass spectrometer 50 into the Taylor cone 11
Data Source
AI summary
A laser desorption electrospray ionization source includes a sample platform configured to support a sample material to be analyzed, an ion transfer tube having a first end and a second end, the first end facing in a direction of the sample platform, the second end connected to a mass spectrometer for providing sample molecules for spectral analysis, and a hollow emission needle having a tip that forms an electrospray nozzle, the tip extending to or into the first end of the ion transfer tube, such that the sample molecules pass the tip of the hollow emission needle on their way to the mass spectrometer.