MALDI Ion Imaging Zoom Lens Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MALDI ion imaging technologies are limited by the large diameter of the laser beam, which restricts spatial resolution and leads to inhomogeneous laser fluence, resulting in reduced sensitivity and increased fragmentation, making it difficult to achieve high-quality ion images with high lateral resolution.
Innovation Solution
The use of zoom lenses, beam splitters, and programmable mirror arrays to control the size and homogeneity of the laser beam, allowing for variable spot sizes and maintaining uniform fluence across the beam, enabling precise control of the laser spot diameter and fluence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large diameter laser beam is used in conventional MALDI ion imaging, then the laser can cover a larger area, but the spatial resolution deteriorates and the laser fluence becomes inhomogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control of the laser beam diameter through adjustable optics (lenses or mirrors) that allow the beam size to be varied during operation. This enables the system to adapt between covering larger areas and achieving higher spatial resolution by dynamically adjusting the beam diameter to match the specific imaging requirements, rather than being fixed at a large diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of laser beam diameter from a fixed large value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted across a range of sizes. By implementing optical components that control beam expansion or focusing, the system can modify the beam diameter parameter to optimize both coverage area and spatial resolution depending on the imaging task.
2Area of stationary object
If a large diameter laser beam is used, then the laser can illuminate more of the sample, but the laser fluence homogeneity deteriorates leading to increased fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of beam optics to control both the size and uniformity of the laser fluence distribution. By using adjustable lenses or mirrors, the system can dynamically optimize the beam profile to maintain homogeneous fluence across the illuminated area, preventing the inhomogeneity that causes fragmentation while still covering the desired sample area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the laser beam parameters (diameter and fluence distribution) using optical components that can change these parameters on demand. This allows the system to achieve homogeneous fluence across larger areas by adjusting the beam expansion ratio and focusing characteristics, thereby maintaining stable ionization conditions without excessive fragmentation.
3Area of stationary object
If a large diameter laser beam is used, then the laser energy is distributed over a larger area, but the sensitivity deteriorates due to reduced ion generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beam size adjustment to optimize the balance between coverage area and ion generation efficiency. By allowing the beam diameter to be varied, the system can concentrate laser energy into a smaller, more intense spot when high sensitivity is required, or expand it for broader coverage when sensitivity requirements are lower, thus dynamically optimizing ion generation efficiency for different imaging scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the laser beam diameter parameter to control the energy density delivered to the sample. By reducing the beam diameter when high sensitivity is needed, the laser fluence (energy per unit area) increases, which enhances ion generation efficiency. Conversely, the beam can be expanded for lower fluence applications, providing flexible control over the relationship between beam area and ion generation 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
This approach allows for continuously variable spot sizes from 1 μm to several hundred microns, maintaining uniform fluence and improving the spatial resolution and sensitivity of MALDI ion imaging, enabling high-quality ion images with reduced fragmentation.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging device comprises a laser and zoom lenses
Implementation Method 2
The use of zoom lenses, beam splitters, and programmable mirror arrays to control the size and homogeneity of the laser beam
Implementation Method 3
The use of zoom lenses, beam splitters, and programmable mirror arrays to control the size and homogeneity of the laser beam
Implementation Method 4
Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation (MALDI) ion imaging mass spectrometry is a technology that generates molecular profiles
Implementation Method 5
laser beam which is targeted, in use, onto a target region of an ion source
Data Source
AI summary
A Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization ion source or ion imaging device is disclosed comprising a laser (1) and a zoom lens (3, 4, 5). The zoom lens (3, 4, 5) is arranged to be able to vary the magnification of a laser beam which is directed onto a target region, sample surface or target plate (13) of the ion source or ion imaging device.