Laser Ionization Intensity Control Across Variable Spot Sizes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LDI and MALDI devices are limited in their ability to adjust laser light intensity over a wide range due to the restricted setting range of their attenuators, making it difficult to accommodate varying irradiation diameters, which is necessary for optimizing measurement throughput and spatial resolution without increasing costs or complexity.
Innovation Solution
An ionization device equipped with a light source, a light collection optical system, a first intensity changing unit for continuous intensity adjustment, and a second intensity changing unit for stepwise adjustment, allowing for a wider range of laser light intensity settings by controlling the irradiation diameter and intensity through a laser light intensity controller, using a density wheel and a darkening filter to achieve this.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single attenuator is used to adjust laser light intensity, then the device structure remains simple, but the adjustable intensity range is limited to three digits or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the intensity adjustment function into two separate components: a first attenuator for coarse adjustment (3-digit range) and a second attenuator for fine adjustment (additional 3-digit range). This segmentation allows the combined system to achieve a 6-digit total adjustment range while keeping each individual component simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the intensity control system by introducing a second attenuator that operates in series with the first. This creates a multi-layered control architecture where each attenuator handles a different magnitude of adjustment, effectively expanding the total control range without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attenuators are provided to expand the intensity adjustment range, then the adjustable range exceeds three digits, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the attenuation function into two stages (coarse and fine adjustment), the patent achieves a wide 6-digit adjustment range using two standard 3-digit attenuators rather than requiring a single complex high-range attenuator. This approach leverages off-the-shelf components, reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the coordination between the two attenuators based on user input. The controller determines which attenuator to adjust and by how much, eliminating the need for manual intervention and simplifying the user interface while achieving the desired cost-effective wide-range adjustment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the irradiation diameter is changed to optimize measurement parameters, then measurement flexibility improves, but the intensity adjustment range requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a segmented attenuation system where the first attenuator handles large-scale intensity changes needed when switching between different irradiation diameters, while the second attenuator provides fine-tuning capability. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement flexibility across a wide range of diameters without requiring an overly complex single-stage control system.
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 configuration enables continuous adjustment of laser light intensity over a broader range than conventional devices, improving measurement flexibility and convenience while maintaining cost-effectiveness by using a simpler darkening filter configuration instead of multiple attenuators.
Implementation Method 1
a light collection optical system configured to collect laser light emitted from the light source and irradiate a sample with the laser light
Implementation Method 2
a first intensity changing unit configured to continuously change an intensity of laser light with which the sample is irradiated
Implementation Method 3
a second intensity changing unit configured to stepwisely change an intensity of laser light with which the sample is irradiated
Implementation Method 4
configured to generate ions by irradiating a sample with laser light
Implementation Method 5
a laser desorption/ionization (LDI) method. The laser desorption/ionization method is a method of irradiating the surface of a sample with laser light to excite and ionize sample molecules by the energy of the laser light
Data Source
AI summary
An ionization device including: a laser light source; a light collection optical system configured to irradiate a sample with the laser light; a first intensity changing unit configured to continuously change an intensity of laser light; a second intensity changing unit configured to stepwisely change an intensity of laser light; an irradiation diameter setting reception unit configured to receive setting of an irradiation diameter of laser light; an irradiation intensity setting reception unit configured to receive setting of an irradiation intensity of laser light; and a laser light intensity controller configured to set an intensity of the laser light by changing an irradiation diameter of the laser light by the light collection optical system and controlling the second intensity changing unit according to the irradiation diameter, and by controlling the first intensity changing unit according to the irradiation intensity.