Laterally Extended TIMS for High-Capacity Ion Separation

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear ion trap to a two-dimensional planar trap configuration. The planar trap uses parallel plate electrodes arranged in layers, creating an extended trapping volume in the lateral dimension while maintaining the axial separation by mobility. This dimensional expansion allows many more ions to be stored simultaneously without increasing the charge density to levels where space charge effects degrade mobility resolution.

The ion trap is segmented into multiple discrete planar trapping regions arranged in series along the axial direction. Each planar trap segment can independently accumulate and store ions, and the segments are connected through drift tubes that maintain the electric field gradient. This segmentation allows the total storage capacity to be distributed across multiple regions, increasing overall capacity while each segment maintains sufficient resolution.

The planar trap structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ion accumulation, ion storage, and ion separation by mobility all within a single integrated configuration. The parallel plate electrode arrangement creates both the trapping potential well and the electric field gradient needed for mobility separation, eliminating the need for separate components that would increase device complexity.

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the trapping region from a compact linear arrangement to an extended planar configuration with increased lateral dimensions. By increasing the area of the parallel plates while maintaining a manageable separation distance, the trapping volume is expanded significantly, allowing greater ion capacity without requiring proportionally longer axial dimensions that would complicate the overall device layout.