Laser Desorption Ionization Substrate With Overflow Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometry techniques face a reduction in ionization efficiency due to sample overflow from recesses, leading to reduced signal intensity and incomplete detection of sample components when the sample amount exceeds the recess capacity.
Innovation Solution
A laser desorption/ionization method utilizing a sample support with a gap between the ionization substrate and the substrate, allowing excess sample to flow through through-holes, preventing overflow and maintaining efficient ionization, and optionally using a conductive layer for improved conductivity and energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the sample amount dropped on the ionization substrate is increased, then the signal intensity is improved, but the sample overflows from the recesses causing reduction in ionization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gap dimension between the ionization substrate and the support substrate, creating a three-dimensional sample containment space. This allows excess sample to be directed into the gap rather than overflowing on the surface, resolving the contradiction between sample amount and ionization efficiency by adding a spatial dimension for sample management.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap acts as an intermediary space between the ionization substrate and support substrate, receiving and containing excess sample that would otherwise cause overflow. This mediator structure enables the system to handle variable sample amounts while maintaining consistent ionization conditions on the ionization substrate surface.
2Quantity of substance
If the sample amount dropped on the ionization substrate is increased, then the signal intensity is improved, but the unevenness effect is lost due to sample overflow
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a vertical gap dimension, the patent provides a designated space for excess sample to occupy without disrupting the surface uniformity required for the unevenness effect. This separates the function of containing variable sample amounts from the function of maintaining consistent ionization surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sample containment function from the ionization function by introducing the gap space. The ionization substrate surface maintains its unevenness structure for effective ionization, while the gap separately handles excess sample containment, allowing both functions to operate optimally simultaneously.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a conductive layer is added to the ionization substrate, then the energy transmission is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrical conductivity parameter of the ionization substrate by adding a conductive layer. This parameter change improves energy transmission from the laser to the sample, enhancing ionization efficiency. The conductive layer acts as an intermediate medium that facilitates better energy coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The ionization substrate becomes a composite structure combining the base substrate material with a conductive layer. This composite construction integrates the mechanical support function of the substrate with the energy transmission function of the conductive layer, achieving improved performance while maintaining structural integrity.
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 method inhibits the reduction in ionization efficiency caused by excess sample, ensuring proper ionization and detection of sample components by managing sample excess and optimizing energy transmission.
Implementation Method 1
applying a laser beam to the second surface, thereby ionizing components of the sample
Implementation Method 2
applying a laser beam to the second surface
Implementation Method 3
a conductive layer formed of a conductive material and configured to cover at least the one surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser desorption/ionization method includes a first process of preparing a sample support body (1). The sample support body (1) includes a substrate (2), an ionization substrate (3), and a support (5) that supports the ionization substrate (3) with respect to the substrate (2) such that a first surface (3a) of the ionization substrate (3) is separated from the substrate (2). A plurality of through-holes (3c) are formed at least in measurement regions (R) of the ionization substrate (3). A conductive layer (4) is provided on peripheral edges of the through-holes (3c) at least on the second surface (3b). Further, the laser desorption/ionization method includes a second process of dropping the sample (S) on the measurement regions (R) of the ionization substrate (3), and a third process of, after the sample (S) has infiltrated into the ionization substrate (3), ionizing components of the sample (S) by applying a laser beam (L) to the second surface (3b) while applying a voltage to the conductive layer (4).