Linear Ion Trap Activation Using Pulsed Gas Discharge Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion trap technologies face challenges in efficiently generating and integrating charged particles and reactive neutral species for analyte ion activation and dissociation, requiring improved methods to enhance the quality and quantity of information produced by tandem mass spectrometry.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus and method for generating and injecting charged particles and reactive neutral species into a linear ion trap using a pulsed gas discharge system, allowing for precise control of kinetic energy and synchronization with ion trap operations, enabling high-density beam production without affecting vacuum conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If charged particle sources are used for ion activation, then activation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to vacuum system integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charged particle source and neutral species source into a single integrated device that can operate in different modes. The source structure merges multiple functions (charged particle generation, neutral species generation, pulsed operation) into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate vacuum system integrations and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high activation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The charged particle source is designed to provide multiple functions: generating charged particles for activation, generating neutral species for activation, and operating in pulsed mode for synchronization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate sources and their associated vacuum system integrations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high productivity
2Quantity of substance
If continuous gas flow is used for charged particle generation, then particle density is improved, but vacuum conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed gas flow operation where gas is introduced in periodic pulses rather than continuous flow. During each pulse, high particle density is achieved within the pulse duration, and between pulses the system returns to vacuum conditions. This periodic action allows high particle density when needed while maintaining good vacuum conditions overall, resolving the contradiction between quantity and vacuum quality
3Productivity
If kinetic energy of charged particles is increased for better dissociation, then dissociation efficiency is improved, but control precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of kinetic energy through adjustable acceleration voltages and pulsed timing. The kinetic energy of charged particles can be dynamically adjusted by changing the acceleration voltage applied during each pulse, and the timing of pulses can be optimized for maximum dissociation efficiency. This dynamic approach allows precise control over energy delivery while maintaining high dissociation 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
The solution provides efficient activation and dissociation of analyte ions with high precision and regulation, supporting advanced mass spectrometry operations and maintaining optimal vacuum conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse valve configured to release a gas pulse from a gas supply into an entrance of the conduit
Implementation Method 2
a discharge device to generate a discharge in the gas pulse in the conduit, thereby generating charged particles from the gas
Implementation Method 3
accelerating the generated charged particles in the direction of the trapping region
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (100, 300, 700) is described, comprising: a linear ion trap (102) comprising two pairs of pole electrodes and a radiofrequency, RF, electrical potential supply (117) configured to apply respective RF waveforms to the pairs of pole electrodes, thereby forming a RF trapping field component to trap analyte ions (116) radially in a trapping region (115) of the linear ion trap for processing of the analyte ions (116) therein; a charged particle source (101) comprising a pulse valve (103), a conduit (106, 107), having an entrance in fluid communication therewith and an exit, wherein the conduit (106, 107) extends in the direction of the trapping region (115), and a discharge device (108) electrically coupled to an electrical potential supply (109) and disposed between the entrance and the exit of the conduit (106, 107), wherein the pulse valve (103) is configured to release a gas pulse from a gas supply into the entrance of the conduit (106, 107) and wherein the electrical potential supply (109) is configured to apply a high voltage to the discharge device (108) to generate a discharge (110) in the gas pulse in the conduit (106, 107), thereby generating charged particles (114) from the gas and accelerating the generated charged particles in the direction of the trapping region (115). A method is also described.