Mass Spectrometer Electrode Edge Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical flashovers and whisker formation at the peripheral edges of electrodes in mass spectrometers pose risks of electrical breakdown, especially under vacuum conditions, and existing solutions alter the electric field geometry when attempting to mitigate these issues.

Innovation Solution

A dielectric layer is applied to cover the transitions from the conducting layer to the adjoining free regions of the substrate, effectively preventing electrical flashovers and whisker formation, allowing for the use of higher voltages while maintaining unchanged operating conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the conducting layer is applied to the substrate in regions visible to ions, then ion transport function is improved, but electrical discharges and whisker formation occur at peripheral edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion transport functionVSAvoidelectrical discharge risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the conducting layer and the surrounding environment. This dielectric layer covers the peripheral edges of the conducting layer, acting as a mediator that prevents direct exposure of sharp edges to the vacuum environment and ion flux, thereby eliminating electrical discharges and whisker formation while preserving ion transport functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A thin dielectric film is applied over the conducting layer's peripheral regions. This thin film structure provides edge protection without significantly increasing device complexity or altering the electric field geometry, effectively suppressing electrical discharges and whisker formation at the conducting layer boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If distances between voltage-carrying parts are increased to avoid electrical charges, then electrical breakdown risk is reduced, but electric field geometry is undesirably changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical breakdown resistanceVSAvoidelectric field geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric layer is applied locally only at the peripheral edges and transitions of the conducting layer, rather than uniformly across the entire electrode structure. This localized application protects vulnerable edge regions from electrical discharges while leaving the central functional regions unchanged, thus maintaining the original electric field geometry required for proper ion transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A thin dielectric film is applied selectively at edge regions where electrical discharges occur. This thin film provides local protection against electrical breakdown without requiring overall increases in spacing between voltage-carrying parts, thereby preserving the designed electric field geometry while enhancing electrical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the dielectric layer covers transitions from conducting layer to free regions, then electrical flashovers are prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical flashover preventionVSAvoidlayer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A thin dielectric film is applied to cover the transition regions from the conducting layer to the free substrate areas. This thin film approach provides effective electrical flashover prevention while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the film adds minimal structural complexity compared to more substantial protective structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 dielectric layer prevents electrical flashovers and whisker formation, enabling the use of higher voltages in mass spectrometers without altering the electric field geometry, thus enhancing the reliability and performance of ion motion influencing electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

a dielectric layer (14) is provided on transitions from the conducting layer (13) to the adjoining free regions of the substrate such that at least some of the peripheral borders, edges or convex shapes of the conducting layer are covered

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

Electrical discharges can be observed in the region of the peripheral edges of the electrically conducting, metallic coating. It is even possible for whiskers to be formed over time in the vicinity of the peripheral edges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS8084749B2Electrode for influencing ion motion in mass spectrometers

Publication Date: 2011.12.27 THERMO FISHER SCI BREMEN

AI summary

An electrode for influencing ion motion in mass spectrometers, having a dielectric substrate and a conducting layer on portions of the substrate, wherein peripheral borders, edges or convex shapes of the conducting layer adjoin free regions of the substrate. According to the invention, a dielectric layer is provided on transitions from the conducting layer to the adjoining free regions of the substrate such that at least some of the peripheral borders, edges or convex shapes of the conducting layer are covered.