Mass Spectrometry Data Acquisition Phase Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data acquisition systems in Fourier transform mass spectrometry suffer from substantial phase distortions, reduced sensitivity, non-optimal timing, and limited detection periods, leading to reduced analytical performance and efficiency in recording mass spectral data.
Innovation Solution
A data acquisition system with advanced triggering and in-line digital signal processing, featuring a signal conditioning device with broad-band analog filters and high-performance analog-to-digital converters, and a digital signal processing device with digital downsampling and automatic gain control, to minimize phase distortions and maximize duty cycle and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional data acquisition systems are used in Fourier transform mass spectrometry, then the system structure is simple, but substantial phase distortions occur and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing phase correction through digital signal processing before final spectrum construction. The system captures raw transient signals with phase information intact, then applies digital filters and phase correction algorithms in the frequency domain before generating the final mass spectrum, thereby eliminating phase distortions without requiring complex hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/analog phase correction mechanisms with digital signal processing. Instead of using complex analog filter circuits that introduce phase distortions, the system uses digital filtering and Fourier transform-based phase correction methods, substituting electronic hardware complexity with computational processing that preserves phase accuracy
2Measurement precision
If conventional signal processing is used, then device complexity is low, but sensitivity is reduced due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes noise components from the transient signal through digital signal processing. The system applies digital filtering techniques that selectively remove noise frequencies while preserving the ion signal, and uses background subtraction methods to eliminate chemical noise, thereby enhancing sensitivity without adding hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital signal processing as an intermediary between signal acquisition and spectrum generation. This intermediary layer applies sophisticated noise reduction algorithms, including wavelet transforms and statistical noise modeling, that bridge the gap between raw noisy signals and clean mass spectra without requiring direct hardware modifications
3Productivity
If conventional data acquisition timing is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced due to non-optimal duty cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive triggering and variable detection periods. The system dynamically adjusts the acquisition window based on ion arrival times and signal characteristics, optimizing the duty cycle for each measurement. This allows the mass spectrometer to capture all relevant ion signals while minimizing idle time, thereby increasing productivity without requiring hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the detected signal characteristics inform subsequent acquisition parameters. The system monitors transient signal quality and ion arrival patterns in real-time, then adjusts triggering thresholds and detection periods accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes data acquisition efficiency continuously
4Measurement precision
If conventional detection periods are used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision is limited due to restricted detection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by extending the detection period and capturing complete ion transients before processing. The system is configured to acquire signals for sufficiently long durations to allow all ion packets to complete their motion cycles, ensuring that no phase information is lost. This preliminary capture of complete signals enables subsequent high-resolution Fourier transform processing without requiring complex real-time adjustments
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 system achieves accurate phase information recording, reduced noise, optimized duty cycle, and extended detection periods, enhancing the resolution, sensitivity, and speed of mass spectral data acquisition without the need for extensive post-processing.
Implementation Method 1
an analog signal generated in response to ion motion in a mass spectrometer by a transducer that employs induced current sensing for ion detection
Implementation Method 2
a Fourier transform (FT) mass analyzer, such as an ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cell
Implementation Method 3
The former employs static magnetic field for periodic ion motion development
Implementation Method 4
an electrostatic ion trap (e.g, an orbitrap), whereas the latter is with an electrostatic field based mass analyzer
Data Source
AI summary
A data acquisition system for acquiring a digitized time-domain signal and corresponding mass spectra from a mass spectrometer. The system comprises a signal conditioning device including an amplifier and an analog low-pass filter, to amplify and filter an analog signal generated by the mass spectrometer, and to output a conditioned analog signal; an analog-to-digital converter to convert in real time the conditioned analog signal into a digital data stream; a digital signal processing device having an in-line digital signal processing device for processing the digital data stream to generate the digitized time-domain signal, and to digitally decode a digital triggering signal from the mass spectrometer; and a host device having a data processing device to receive the digitized time-domain signal from the digital signal processing device, and to construct a corresponding mass spectra from the digitized time-domain signal.