Mass Spectrometer Laser System for Multi-Wavelength Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometers require multiple laser systems for ionization and fragmentation tasks, which increases costs and complexity, and the yield of fragment ions from existing fragmentation methods like collision-induced dissociation is low.
Innovation Solution
A laser system that generates multiple beams of different wavelengths or energies, which can be guided to specific points along the ion path for tasks such as ionization and fragmentation, using a single high-performance laser crystal and a multiplier system for frequency multiplication, allowing for optimized photon energy use at each location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser systems are used for ionization and fragmentation tasks, then the adaptability and effectiveness for different analytical tasks is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single laser system that can perform multiple functions by generating different wavelengths. The laser system produces fundamental wavelength light and second harmonic wavelength light, which are then directed to different locations in the mass spectrometer for ionization and fragmentation tasks respectively, eliminating the need for separate laser systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the laser output into different wavelength components using optical elements. The fundamental wavelength beam and second harmonic wavelength beam are spatially separated and directed to different functional regions (ion source and collision cell) to perform different analytical tasks simultaneously
2Productivity
If collision-induced dissociation is used for fragmentation, then the fragmentation capability is provided, but the yield of fragment ions is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of photon energy by generating second harmonic wavelength light (higher energy) from the fundamental wavelength laser light. This higher energy photons enable photodissociation fragmentation which produces higher fragment ion yields compared to conventional collision-induced dissociation methods
3Device complexity
If a single laser system is used for both ionization and fragmentation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide optimized photon energy for each task is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser system dynamic by enabling wavelength conversion on demand. The system can generate fundamental wavelength for ionization and convert to second harmonic wavelength for fragmentation, allowing optimized photon energy delivery for each specific task while maintaining a single physical laser system
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 reduces the need for additional laser systems, enhances the adaptability of laser light for various analytical tasks, and improves the yield of fragment ions by using photons with tailored energies for specific applications, such as MALDI ionization and photodissociation.
Implementation Method 1
an optically pumped laser cell for producing primary photons and a multiplier system for converting the primary photons to a plurality of different photon energies
Implementation Method 2
a multiplier system for converting the primary photons to a plurality of different photon energies, in each case to a higher energy
Implementation Method 3
ionization by laser desorption
Implementation Method 4
for the fragmentation of ions by photodissociation (PD)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to mass spectrometers with optically pumped lasers, whose laser light can be used for ionization by laser desorption, for the fragmentation of ions by photodissociation (PD), for the initiation of ion reactions, and for other purposes. The invention provides a laser system for a mass spectrometer, with which at least two laser beams of different wavelengths can be generated for use at different points along an ion path from an ion source to an ion detector in the mass spectrometer.