Mass Spectrometer Voltage Timing for Ion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers experience a 'no-detection period' when switching between target ions, leading to inefficiencies in detecting multiple ions with different polarities and mass-to-charge ratios, as the ions are not detected until they reach the detector after passing through the ion optical system and mass filter, resulting in a prolonged analysis time and reduced data points for peak reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometry method and apparatus that adjusts the voltage applied to each section of the mass spectrometer in synchronization with the time required for each ion to travel through the system, minimizing the no-detection period by changing voltages at the precise timing corresponding to the ion's flight time, as determined by preliminary experiments with standard samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If voltages are changed simultaneously across all sections when switching target ions, then the mass spectrometer can be configured for the next measurement quickly, but a no-detection period occurs because ions already in flight are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by changing voltages in reverse chronological order based on ion flight time. Sections farther from the ion source are configured first, followed by closer sections. This ensures that when voltages are changed, ions already in flight continue to be detected by sections they will pass through, eliminating the no-detection period while maintaining measurement efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The mass spectrometer is segmented into multiple voltage-controlled sections (ion source, ion optical system, mass filter, detector). Each section is independently controlled with staggered voltage change timing based on its position in the ion path. This segmentation allows selective voltage adjustment in each section at optimized times, resolving the contradiction between quick reconfiguration and continuous detection
2Measurement precision
If voltages are changed to suit the second target ion before ions arrive at the detector, then the mass spectrometer is ready for detection, but ions generated during the voltage transition cannot be detected until they reach the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary voltage changes in reverse order of ion flight time, configuring sections farther from the ion source first. This preliminary action ensures that when ions are generated, all sections along their path are already configured for optimal detection, eliminating detection delays while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage configuration is made dynamic and time-dependent, with each section's voltage change timed to coincide with when ions will arrive at that section. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both detection precision and response time by ensuring voltages are changed at the precise moment needed for each section
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 significantly reduces the no-detection period, enhancing the efficiency of mass spectrometry by ensuring continuous detection of ions, thereby improving the accuracy and completeness of mass chromatograms, especially when analyzing multiple target ions.
Implementation Method 1
a mass analyzer, such as a quadrupole mass analyzer
Implementation Method 2
the ionizer, ion optical system, mass filter, detector
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a mass spectrometer (1) for sequentially performing a measurement for a plurality of target ions, characterized by a storage section (41) for holding ion time-of-flight information concerning the time required for each of target ions to fly through each of the sections constituting the mass spectrometer, and a voltage controller (42) for changing, based on the ion time-of-flight information, the voltage applied to each of those sections to a voltage suited for each target ion, with a time lag corresponding to the difference in the timing of the arrival of the target ion at the section concerned.