Imaging Mass Spectrometer Laser Spot Verification by Optical Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of imaging mass spectrometers cannot easily verify the correct setting of the laser beam irradiation diameter, which is crucial for spatial resolution, and this verification is typically only possible during inspection or maintenance by trained personnel.
Innovation Solution
An imaging mass spectrometer equipped with a laser irradiation unit, a condensing optical system, an image acquiring unit to capture optical microscopic images, and a display unit to show the condensing state checking images, allowing users to visually confirm the laser beam's condensing state on a display screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a special jig or measuring instrument using a knife edge method is used to measure the laser beam irradiation diameter, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical microscope to capture an optical microscopic image of the irradiation mark, creating a visual copy of the laser beam's effect on the sample. This allows users to measure the irradiation diameter by simply viewing and analyzing the captured image, eliminating the need for complex specialized measuring instruments while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical microscopic image as an intermediary between the laser irradiation process and the measurement process. Instead of directly measuring the irradiation diameter with complex instruments, the system captures an optical image that serves as a mediator, allowing users to easily assess the condensing state through visual inspection of the image.
2Measurement precision
If laser beam irradiation diameter verification is performed only during inspection or maintenance by service personnel, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform self-verification of the laser beam irradiation diameter by capturing and viewing optical microscopic images. This self-service capability eliminates the need to wait for service personnel during inspection or maintenance, allowing users to independently verify and adjust the condensing state, thereby improving operational efficiency without sacrificing measurement accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If the irradiation diameter of the laser beam is narrowed to about 0.5 μm for high spatial resolution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to difficulty in verifying correct setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by capturing optical microscopic images of the irradiation marks and displaying them for user review. This visual feedback allows users to verify whether the laser beam is correctly condensed to the desired diameter, ensuring reliable operation of the high-resolution imaging system without requiring complex verification procedures.
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 users to easily check and verify the desired condensing state of the laser beam, ensuring proper setup without requiring specialized personnel, thereby improving user accessibility and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a condensing optical system disposed between the laser irradiation unit and the sample and configured to condense the laser beam emitted from the laser irradiation unit
Implementation Method 2
an image acquiring unit configured to acquire a condensing state checking image which is an optical microscopic image capable of checking a condensing state on the sample of the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an imaging mass spectrometer which generates ions by irradiating a sample with a laser beam and performs mass spectrometry of the ions, the imaging mass spectrometer including: a laser irradiation unit 30 configured to emit the laser beam toward the sample, a condensing optical system 33 disposed between the laser irradiation unit 30 and the sample and configured to condense the laser beam emitted from the laser irradiation unit 30, an image acquiring unit 40 configured to acquire a condensing state checking image which is an optical microscopic image capable of checking a condensing state on the sample of the laser beam emitted from the laser irradiation unit 30, and a display unit 64 configured to display the condensing state checking image acquired by the image acquiring unit 40 on a display screen.