Mass Spectrometer RF Voltage Drift Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers require frequent calibration to maintain accuracy due to drift in radio frequency (RF) voltage, which can lead to errors in isotope or compound identification, necessitating precise control of RF voltage drift within 0.005% to avoid significant measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer system that includes an ion trap, RF generator, sampling circuit, and signal processor to generate and adjust RF signals, construct reference and correction functions, and calibrate outputs to compensate for voltage drift, ensuring accurate ion ejection and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If regular tuning or calibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to frequent calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual RF voltage is continuously monitored and compared against the expected voltage. The system automatically calculates correction factors based on the voltage drift and applies these corrections to the mass spectrometer output, eliminating the need for frequent manual calibration while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting RF voltage drift and correcting its own measurements. The correction function is generated and applied autonomously without requiring external intervention or manual tuning, allowing the instrument to maintain accuracy over extended periods without user intervention.
2Measurement precision
If RF voltage drift is strictly controlled within 0.005% to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sampling circuit as an intermediary component that measures the actual RF voltage and provides this information to the signal processor. This intermediary enables automatic drift detection and correction without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from controlling RF voltage stability to correcting measurement results based on actual voltage measurements. By measuring the actual RF voltage and using it to generate correction factors, the system maintains accuracy without requiring strict control of the RF voltage drift, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed frequently to compensate for RF voltage drift, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to time spent on calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic feedback system continuously monitors RF voltage and applies real-time corrections to measurements, eliminating the need for frequent manual calibration interruptions. This allows the mass spectrometer to maintain high productivity while ensuring measurement accuracy through automated drift compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument performs self-correction of measurement data based on monitored RF voltage drift, eliminating the need for operator intervention for calibration. This autonomous operation maintains both high productivity and measurement precision without requiring time-consuming manual calibration 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
The system enhances measurement accuracy by dynamically correcting for RF voltage drift, reducing errors and maintaining precise control over ion ejection, thereby improving the reliability of mass spectrometric analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency (RF) generator electrically coupled to the electrode and configured to generate an RF signal
Implementation Method 2
a sampling circuit electrically coupled to the electrode and configured to measure a voltage of the RF signal at the electrode
Implementation Method 3
a signal processor electrically coupled to the sampling circuit and the detector. The signal processor is configured to receive outputs from the detector and the sampling circuit and to correct the output from the detector based on the output from the sampling circuit
Implementation Method 4
an ion trap, which dynamically traps ions from a sample using a time-varying electric field generated by electrodes that receive a time-varying signal
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometer comprises an ion trap configured to trap ions and to eject ions. The ion trap comprises an electrode. The mass spectrometer further comprises a detector configured to detect ions ejected from the ion trap, a radio frequency (RF) generator electrically coupled to the electrode and configured to generate an RF signal, a sampling circuit electrically coupled to electrode and configured to measure a voltage of the RF signal at the electrode, and a signal processor electrically coupled to the sampling circuit and the detector. The signal processor is configured to receive outputs from the detector and the sampling circuit and to correct the output from the detector based on the output from the sampling circuit.