Mass Spectrometer Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry technologies face challenges such as difficulty in starting dielectric barrier discharges at low voltages, inconsistent ion generation due to discontinuous sample introduction, reduced sensitivity from light interference, and increased fragmentation with existing ionization methods like glow discharge.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer with an ion source comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric unit, applying alternating current voltage to ionize samples using a dielectric barrier discharge, and incorporating a light irradiation unit to stabilize plasma initiation and reduce fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high voltage is applied to start dielectric barrier discharge, then the discharge can be initiated, but the sample molecules are brought into fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary voltage to the dielectric barrier discharge electrode before sample introduction to pre-initiate the plasma discharge. This preliminary action ensures the discharge is already established when the sample arrives, allowing ionization at lower voltages that prevent molecule fragmentation while maintaining reliable discharge initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsing of the discharge voltage rather than continuous high voltage application. By using periodic pulses synchronized with sample introduction, the system maintains discharge initiation reliability through repeated low-voltage pulses while avoiding sustained high-voltage conditions that cause fragmentation.
2Reliability
If light is used to assist discharge initiation, then the discharge can start at lower voltage, but light interference reduces detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source function from the detection path by using a light-emitting diode positioned to illuminate only the discharge region, not the detector. This spatial separation allows light-assisted discharge initiation while preventing light interference with the mass spectrometry detection, thereby maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies illumination locally to only the discharge region where plasma initiation is needed, rather than illuminating the entire detection path. This localized lighting approach enables discharge starting assistance at the electrode while keeping the detector region dark, thus avoiding sensitivity reduction from light interference.
3Ease of operation
If discontinuous sample introduction is used, then sample analysis is possible, but ion generation becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent initiates the plasma discharge in advance before sample introduction and maintains it during the entire analysis period. This preliminary and sustained discharge ensures that ionization conditions are consistently prepared and maintained throughout discontinuous sample introduction, eliminating ion generation inconsistency while preserving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous plasma discharge throughout the analysis period, even when sample introduction is discontinuous. This continuous useful action of plasma generation ensures consistent ionization capability is always available, resulting in stable and consistent ion generation regardless of sample introduction timing or frequency.
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
Enables stable, low-fragmentation soft ionization with improved sensitivity by controlling the discharge voltage and plasma state, maintaining sensitivity and reducing noise interference from light.
Implementation Method 1
an ion source consisting of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric unit having a sample introducing unit and a sample discharging unit and provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, a power source of applying an alternating current voltage to either one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and ionizing a sample by a discharge generated between the first and the second electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a light irradiating unit of irradiating an area at which the discharge is generated with light
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometer featured in including an ion source including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric unit having a sample introducing unit and a sample discharging unit and provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, a power source of ionizing a sample by a discharge generated between the first electrode and the second electrode by applying an alternating current voltage to either one of the first electrode and the second electrode, a mass spectrometry unit of analyzing an ion discharged from the sample discharging unit, and a light irradiating unit of irradiating an area of generating the discharge with light.