Mass Spectrometer Evaporation Source Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometer calibration methods face challenges such as the need for additional gas inlet systems, contamination, limited suitability of calibration gases for high atomic masses, and complexity in calibrating above 150 a.m.u., due to fragmentation and deposition issues.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer design that includes an evaporation source for generating a calibration gas within the instrument, using non-volatile source materials with high atomic masses, which are ionized and processed similarly to sample gases, eliminating the need for external gas inlets and minimizing contamination, and allowing for precise calibration up to 200 a.m.u.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration gases are introduced via external gas inlet systems, then calibration can be performed, but device complexity increases and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration gas generation function is merged with the ionization region by incorporating an evaporation source directly into the mass spectrometer. This eliminates the need for separate external gas inlet systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining calibration accuracy through direct generation of calibration atoms within the vacuum system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mass spectrometer performs calibration using atoms generated by its own evaporation source within the ionization region. The system serves itself by producing calibration materials internally rather than requiring external gas supplies, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing potential contamination pathways.
2Measurement precision
If calibration gases are introduced into the vacuum system, then calibration can be performed, but contamination of the mass spectrometer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful aspect of introducing external calibration gases is eliminated by extracting the calibration gas generation function and replacing it with an evaporation source that produces calibration atoms directly within the vacuum system. This removes the contamination pathway associated with external gas inlet systems while preserving calibration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporation source operates within the existing vacuum environment, utilizing the inert vacuum atmosphere to contain and control the calibration atoms. This approach avoids introducing potentially contaminating gases from external sources while maintaining the controlled environment necessary for accurate calibration.
3Measurement precision
If volatile elements like xenon are used for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but the mass scale is limited to maximum 136 a.m.u.
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of calibration material selection from volatile elements with limited atomic masses to non-volatile materials that can be evaporated to produce atoms with atomic masses exceeding 150 a.m.u. This parameter change enables extended mass range calibration while maintaining measurement precision through the use of materials like specific organic compounds or polymers that provide stable, high-mass calibration signals.
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 simplifies calibration by eliminating external gas inlets, reduces contamination, and enables accurate calibration of large atomic masses without fragmentation, improving the reliability and precision of mass spectrometer measurements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one evaporation source for generating the calibration gas by evaporating a source material
Implementation Method 2
an ionization unit adapted to ionize the sample gas and/or the calibration gas in the ionization region
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mass spectrometer, having: a gas inlet adapted to supply a sample gas to be ionized to an ionization region of the mass spectrometer, a calibration unit adapted to supply a calibration gas to be ionized to the ionization region, and an ionization unit adapted to ionize the sample gas and/or the calibration gas in the ionization region. The calibration unit includes at least one evaporation source for generating the calibration gas by evaporating a source material. The invention also relates to a method for calibrating a mass spectrometer.