Mass Spectrometer Peak Shape Calibration for Overlapping Gas Peaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers face limitations in accurately estimating gas mixtures due to non-zero peak widths and asymmetric shapes, which are instrument-specific and have limited sensitivity, especially at higher mass-to-charge ratios, and fail to extract information from minor peaks hidden under larger peaks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically optimizes peak shapes for mass spectrometers and other spectroscopic sensors by identifying a best peak shape using machine learning, generating synthetic data, defining a cost function, and calibrating sensors to match desired peak shapes, adjusting parameters such as RF voltage to DC voltage ratio, emission current, and bias voltages, to estimate compositions without de-convoluting peak shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If de-convolution process is used to separate overlapping peaks, then peak separation is achieved, but information from minor peaks hidden under larger peaks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optimization of peak shapes using machine learning before analysis. By pre-training the peak shape models on reference data and optimizing instrument parameters in advance, the system prepares the optimal configuration for extracting information from all peaks including minor ones hidden under larger peaks, without needing aggressive de-convolution that would lose information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical de-convolution process with a machine learning-based peak shape optimization system. Instead of using mathematical de-convolution algorithms that struggle with overlapping peaks, the system uses trained neural networks to directly predict compositions from optimized peak shapes, thereby preserving information from minor peaks while achieving accurate separation.
2Ease of manufacture
If instrument-specific calibration with limited scaling factors is used, then calibration is simplified, but estimation accuracy is limited and sensitivity at higher mass-to-charge ratios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes multiple instrument parameters simultaneously including RF voltage to DC voltage ratio, emission current, and bias voltages rather than using limited scaling factors. By changing and optimizing these critical parameters using machine learning, the system achieves superior estimation accuracy and sensitivity across the full mass-to-charge ratio range while maintaining automated calibration simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated self-calibration using machine learning algorithms that automatically optimize peak shapes and instrument parameters without requiring manual intervention. The machine learning model self-adjusts the calibration based on reference data, eliminating the need for complex manual calibration procedures while achieving high accuracy across all mass-to-charge ratios.
3Measurement precision
If automated parameter optimization is implemented, then peak shape quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual optimization procedures with machine learning-based automated optimization. The machine learning model automatically adjusts peak shapes and instrument parameters based on training data, achieving high peak shape quality without requiring complex manual intervention or specialized expertise, thereby managing system complexity through intelligent automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (110) includes a first type of sensor (104) and an estimation system (106) that is connected to first type of sensor (104). The estimation system (106) is configured to (a) identify a best peak shape for estimation of known gas mixtures by analyzing characterization data across known gas mixtures, with added noise, using machine learning, (b) generate a plurality of actual peak shapes, in first type of sensor (104), for several different instances using standard gas mixtures to provide an actual peak shape among the plurality of peak shapes as calibrating input to calibrate first type of sensor (104) and (c) calibrate first type of sensor (104) by automatically adjusting parameters of first type of sensor (104) for optimizing actual peak shape to match with desired peak shape.