Mass Spectrometer Beam Focusing Correction for Temperature Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging mass spectrometers face issues with spatial resolution deterioration and ionization efficiency due to temperature changes affecting the focal position of laser light, requiring manual adjustment of optical and sample stage positions, which is time-consuming and costly when temperature control mechanisms are used.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that records reference positions and temperature dependency information for the excitation beam optical system and sample stage, allowing for precise correction of focusing positions using a moving mechanism without the need for temperature control, by measuring and adjusting positions based on recorded data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If temperature control mechanism is provided to maintain focusing position, then spatial resolution is maintained, but apparatus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal control system (temperature control mechanism) with a mechanical adjustment system. The sample stage or condenser lens holder is equipped with a positioning mechanism that can be adjusted based on temperature dependency information, substituting complex thermal control with simpler mechanical positioning while maintaining focusing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from temperature (thermal control) to position (mechanical adjustment). By measuring temperature changes and calculating the resulting positional shifts based on pre-determined temperature dependency information, the system adjusts the mechanical position of the sample stage or lens holder to compensate for thermal expansion effects without actively controlling temperature.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of optical system and sample stage positions is performed, then focusing position is corrected, but time and effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the temperature of the beam irradiation system, and the control unit automatically calculates and applies position corrections based on pre-stored temperature dependency information. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates manual trial-and-error adjustment, providing both high precision and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-determining and storing temperature dependency information (the relationship between temperature changes and positional shifts) before actual mass spectrometry measurements. This pre-characterization allows the system to immediately compensate for temperature effects during operation without requiring real-time manual adjustment or complex real-time calculations.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser light is focused to fine diameter for high spatial resolution, then ionization efficiency is improved, but system becomes sensitive to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal stabilization with mechanical positioning to maintain the fine focus. By using a positioning mechanism on the sample stage or condenser lens holder that can be adjusted based on temperature measurements, the system maintains the precise focusing required for high ionization efficiency without relying on expensive and complex temperature control systems.
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 easy and cost-effective focusing of excitation beams on a sample surface by pinpoint adjustments, maintaining high spatial resolution and ionization efficiency without the need for expensive temperature control mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
focusing an excitation beam by an excitation beam optical system
Implementation Method 2
light emitted from a laser light source is focused by a condenser lens and spotted on a sample
Implementation Method 3
light emitted from a laser light source is focused by a condenser lens
Implementation Method 4
each measurement point is sequentially irradiated with laser light to ionize substances present at each measurement point
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometry method including: focusing an excitation beam by an excitation beam optical system at a predetermined position of the sample stage, and recording a position of a beam irradiation system including the excitation beam optical system and a movable sample stage at that time as a reference position and a temperature of the beam irradiation system at that time as a reference temperature (Steps 1 and 2); acquiring temperature dependency information which is information representing a change in position of the excitation beam optical system and the sample stage with respect to a change in temperature of the beam irradiation system and recording the temperature dependency information (Step 3); and correcting a focusing position of an excitation beam using the moving mechanism based on a difference between a temperature of the beam irradiation system during use and the reference temperature and the temperature dependency information (Step 7).