Mass Spectrometer Ion Count Control for Detector Lifetime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ion detectors in mass spectrometers have a finite lifetime and rapidly age due to high ion counts, especially in sensitive data acquisition modes, leading to a need for methods and systems that extend their useful lifetime.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for monitoring ion counts in mass spectrometers, generating notifications when counts exceed a predefined reference level, and pausing sample introduction to prevent rapid aging, with recommendations for diluting subsequent samples to maintain ion counts below a threshold, thereby extending the ion detector's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high ion counts are detected to improve sensitivity in data acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but the ion detector ages rapidly reducing its useful lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetector lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors ion counts and provides feedback to the control system. When the ion count exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system generates a notification to the user and can pause the sample queue, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that protects the detector while allowing high-sensitivity operation within safe limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the ion count threshold level based on detector type and operational conditions. By dynamically setting and monitoring ion count thresholds, the system optimizes the balance between detection sensitivity and detector longevity, allowing maximum sensitivity while preventing excessive ion accumulation that would damage the detector

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If continuous data acquisition is maintained to improve productivity, then output per unit time is improved, but the ion detector undergoes excessive ion strikes reducing its lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisition rateVSAvoiddetector lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring of ion counts during continuous data acquisition. Rather than continuous interruption, the system periodically checks ion count levels and only pauses acquisition when thresholds are exceeded, allowing mostly continuous operation while providing periodic protection to the detector

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system receives continuous feedback on ion count levels and automatically adjusts the data acquisition process by pausing the sample queue when necessary. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain high productivity during normal operation while automatically protecting the detector when ion counts become excessive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of stationary object

If ion count threshold is set low to protect detector lifetime, then detector lifetime is extended, but detection sensitivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector lifetimeVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes the ion count threshold parameter based on detector type, operational mode, and sample characteristics. By carefully selecting threshold values that are low enough to protect the detector but high enough to maintain sensitivity, the system achieves the best possible balance between these competing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system makes the ion count threshold dynamic rather than fixed, allowing adjustment based on detector aging, operational conditions, and sample matrix effects. This dynamic approach enables the threshold to adapt to changing conditions, maintaining optimal protection sensitivity balance throughout the detector's operational life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively extends the useful lifetime of ion detectors by preventing excessive ion strikes, ensuring continued efficient operation and data acquisition without compromising sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

At least a portion of the ions and/or fragments thereof is detected by a downstream ion detector to generate a plurality of ion detection events

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon detection:

Implementation Method 2

an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that receives the ion detection signals from the ion detector and digitizes the detector's signals so as to generate a plurality of digitized signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS20240355603A1Determination of Ion Control for Detector Life Time and Provision for Notice To End User

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 DH TECH DEVMENT PTE

AI summary

In one aspect, a method of operating a mass spectrometer is disclosed, which comprises ionizing a sample to generate a plurality of ions, and introducing at least a portion of the ions into an inlet orifice of the mass spectrometer. At least a portion of the ions and/or fragments thereof is detected by a downstream detector to generate a plurality of ion detection events, and the ion detection events are monitored to determine an ion count. The ion count is compared with a reference level to determine whether the detected level exceeds the reference level.