Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer with Orifice Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear ion trap mass spectrometers face issues with electric field disruptions due to electron-generated contamination and light noise, leading to poor resolution and durability problems over long-term measurements.
Innovation Solution
A linear ion trap design featuring multipolar rod electrodes with an orifice for electron/ion passage, axial electric field generation, and selective ion ejection mechanisms, along with a detector for high-resolution ion detection, minimizes contamination and noise by separating electron and ion paths and optimizing electric field control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrons are injected into the linear ion trap to generate ions, then ionization efficiency is improved, but contamination adheres to rod electrodes causing electric field disruption and resolution deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ion trap structure into functionally distinct zones: an ionization region where electrons are injected to generate ions, and a trapping region where ions are confined for analysis. The rod electrodes are positioned to create separate functional zones, allowing electron injection without direct contamination of the trapping field, thus maintaining both ionization efficiency and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the electron injection function from the main trapping region by providing a dedicated ionization region. Electrons are injected through a specific opening into the ionization region, separating the ionization process from the ion trapping and detection process, thereby preventing contamination of the rod electrodes while maintaining ionization efficiency
2Loss of time
If measurements are performed for extended periods, then data collection is improved, but contamination accumulates on electrodes causing resolution to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ion trap into ionization and trapping regions, the invention enables continuous operation without contamination accumulation. The separated zones allow ions to be generated and trapped without electrons continuously exposing the trapping electrodes to contamination, maintaining resolution over extended measurement periods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary structure (the ionization region with controlled electron injection) between the electron source and the ion trapping zone. This intermediary allows ionization to occur while protecting the trapping electrodes from direct electron exposure and contamination, enabling long-term stable operation
3Device complexity
If light from the electron source penetrates to the detector, then electron source operation is simplified, but noise is generated in the detection system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the device into distinct functional regions with the electron source, ionization region, trapping region, and detector spatially separated. This segmentation naturally blocks light paths from the electron source to the detector while maintaining electron injection capability, reducing noise without complicating operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to solve the light interference problem. By positioning components in different spatial dimensions and orientations, the design allows electron injection while blocking light paths to the detector, managing noise without increasing operational complexity
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 enhances durability and maintains high-resolution performance in a compact design by preventing contamination and noise interference, even during prolonged measurements.
Implementation Method 1
generating an axial electric field in the linear ion trap unit and moving the ions within the ion trap unit along the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
selectively ejecting the ions by mass from the linear ion trap unit
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometer possessing both high resolution and durability in a simple, compact structure compared to mass spectrometers of the related art, and characterized in possessing a linear ion trap unit containing a multipolar rod electrode including rod electrodes having fine orifices to allow passage of electrons or ions; a mechanism to move the ions inside the linear ion trap unit along the axis of the multipolar rod electrode; and a detector to selectively detect by mass, ions ejected from the linear ion trap unit.