Mass Spectrometer Ion Screening With Fast Deflection Pulse Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers face issues with the service life of ion detectors due to the detection of non-target ions, which also interfere with the detection of target ions, and high-voltage pulse signals suffer from significant delays in switching, limiting their precision and application.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for selecting ions in a mass spectrometer using a deflection conductor with a high-voltage pulse circuit that applies different voltages to deflect non-target ions and allow target ions to reach the detector, and an RC series circuit to reduce switching delays in high-voltage pulse signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all ions generated by exciting the sample are allowed to reach the ion detector, then the detector receives complete ion information, but the service life of the detector is shortened due to excessive non-target ions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a first voltage to the deflection conductor before the ions reach the detector to generate a deflection electric field that redirects non-target ions away from the detector. This preliminary action prevents non-target ions from reaching the detector, thereby extending its service life while allowing target ions to be detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches the voltage applied to the deflection conductor between a first voltage (to deflect non-target ions) and a second voltage (to allow target ions through). This dynamic control enables selective ion detection based on arrival time, resolving the contradiction between detector protection and complete ion detection.
2Force
If high-voltage pulse signals are used for controlling ion deflection, then strong deflection effect is achieved, but significant delay occurs during voltage switching which limits control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic switching between first and second voltages on the deflection conductor, synchronized with the ion arrival patterns. This periodic action allows the system to achieve strong deflection when needed while accepting that switching delays occur at predictable intervals, maintaining control precision for ion selection.
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 effectively prolongs the service life of the detector by minimizing non-target ion detection and enhances the precision of high-voltage pulse control, enabling more accurate ion selection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
applying a first voltage to the deflection conductor to generate a deflection electric field at the deflection conductor
Implementation Method 2
ions are deflected to a trajectory not reaching the detector when flying through the deflection electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for selecting ions in a mass spectrometer. The method comprises: applying a first voltage to a deflection conductor to generate a deflection electric field at the deflection conductor, where ions are deflected to a trajectory not reaching the detector when flying through the deflection electric field; maintaining the first voltage applied to the deflection conductor to deflect non-target ions which fly out of the acceleration electric field, in response to detecting that a pulse synchronized with a laser is outputted; applying a second voltage to the deflection conductor to stop generating the deflection electric field and enable target ions to reach the detector, in response to the target ions flying out of the acceleration electric field; and applying the first voltage to the deflection conductor, in response to all target ions flying past the deflection conductor.