Linear Ion Trap Fragmentation via Electrode Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quadrupole tandem mass spectrometers face challenges in performing MS3 or MSn analysis due to the complexity and requirement for physical modifications in existing hardware, particularly with methods like resonant excitation and boundary activated dissociation, which conflict with operational requirements and necessitate hardware changes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a linear ion trap with multiple electrode sets, where varying potential differences between electrode sets accelerates ions to fragment, allowing for ion fragmentation within the trap without physical modifications to existing hardware, enabling MS2, MS3, and MSn analysis using standard quadrupole mass filter/linear ion trap hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If resonant excitation or boundary activated dissociation is used for ion fragmentation, then ion fragmentation capability is improved, but device complexity and hardware modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the DC voltage applied to the linear ion trap electrodes to different values (e.g., 0V, -10V, -20V) to achieve different ion fragmentation stages (MS2, MS3, MSn) without any hardware modifications. This voltage parameter control enables flexible ion fragmentation capability while maintaining simple standard quadrupole mass filter/linear ion trap hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stages of isolation and fragmentation are performed within a single quadrupole mass filter, then flexibility and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single linear ion trap to perform multiple stages of ion isolation and fragmentation (MS2, MS3, MSn) through voltage control. The same hardware configuration serves different analytical purposes by simply changing the DC voltage applied to the trap electrodes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fragmentation stages are achieved by changing the DC voltage parameter applied to the linear ion trap. For example, applying -10V enables MS2 analysis while -20V enables MS3 analysis, allowing flexible control of multiple fragmentation stages without increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ions are accelerated from one quadrupole rod set into another for fragmentation, then ion fragmentation is achieved, but physical modifications to hardware are required
Solution Approach 1:
The linear ion trap performs ion fragmentation using its own built-in electrodes and voltage control capabilities, without requiring external fragmentation devices or physical modifications to the quadrupole rod sets. The trap accelerates ions internally using its electrodes, making the system self-sufficient for multiple fragmentation stages.
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 approach simplifies ion fragmentation, allowing for MS2, MS3, and MSn analysis with minimal hardware changes, improving flexibility and control while maintaining operational efficiency without the need for complex modifications or additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
accelerate at least some ions confined within the linear ion trap in order to cause the ions to fragment so as to form fragment or daughter ions
Implementation Method 2
varying either: (i) a potential difference between at least some of the first electrodes and at least some of the second electrodes; and/or (ii) a potential difference between at least some of the second electrodes and at least some of the third electrodes, in order to accelerate at least some ions
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fragmenting ions is disclosed comprising providing a linear ion trap comprising: (i) a first electrode set comprising a plurality of first electrodes; (ii) a second electrode set arranged downstream of the first electrode set and comprising a plurality of second electrodes; and (iii) a third electrode set arranged downstream of the second electrode set and comprising a plurality of third electrodes. Ions are axially confined within the linear ion trap. Either: (i) a potential difference between at least some of the first electrodes and at least some of the second electrodes; and/or (ii) a potential difference between at least some of the second electrodes and at least some of the third electrodes, is varied in order to accelerate at least some ions confined within the linear ion trap in order to cause the ions to fragment so as to form fragment or daughter ions.