Mass Spectrometry Apparatus Controller for Laser SNMS

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Solution Overview

Problem

The detection accuracy of ion particles in laser SNMS mass spectrometry is affected by complex and time-consuming measurement condition adjustments, requiring experienced skills.

Innovation Solution

A mass spectrometry apparatus with a controller that automatically adjusts measurement conditions by calculating intensity ratios between irradiation and non-irradiation modes, and adjusts laser light and electric field settings to enhance detection sensitivity and mass resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of measurement conditions is performed to improve detection accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but measurement time increases and operation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts measurement conditions by performing test measurements and evaluating detection accuracy without operator intervention. The controller autonomously determines optimal settings based on measured data, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining high detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs test measurements with different measurement conditions and evaluates detection accuracy for each condition. Based on the evaluation results, the controller automatically selects and applies the optimal measurement conditions, creating a feedback loop that continuously optimizes detection accuracy while minimizing measurement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of measurement conditions is performed to improve detection accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidadjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically performs test measurements and determines optimal measurement conditions without requiring operator expertise or manual intervention. This automation eliminates the complexity of manual adjustment procedures while maintaining high detection accuracy through systematic evaluation of different conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual operator judgment and adjustment with automated electronic control and algorithmic optimization. The controller uses computational methods to evaluate detection accuracy and determine optimal conditions, substituting human expertise with automated intelligence to reduce operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple test measurements are performed to determine optimal conditions, then detection accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a limited number of test measurements with different measurement conditions to determine optimal settings, rather than exhaustively testing all possible conditions. This partial action approach achieves sufficient detection accuracy while minimizing the time and resources required for optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system systematically varies measurement conditions (such as laser power, ion beam current, and detection parameters) during test measurements to identify optimal settings. By changing key parameters in a structured manner, the system efficiently determines optimal conditions without requiring exhaustive testing of all possible parameter combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the enhancement of detection accuracy by eliminating the influence of gas particles and optimizing measurement conditions, reducing measurement time while improving sensitivity and mass resolution.

Implementation Method 1

particles emitted from the surface of a sample under irradiation with an ion beam are irradiated with laser light. Thereby, the particles are ionized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoionization: Photoionisation

Data Source

PatentUS10497554B2Mass spectrometry apparatus and mass spectrometry method
Publication Date: 2019.12.03 KIOXIA CORP
  • US10497554B2 patent drawing
  • US10497554B2 patent drawing
  • US10497554B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a mass spectrometry apparatus includes a beam irradiator, a laser irradiator, a mass spectrometer and a controller. The beam irradiator irradiates a sample with an ion beam. The laser irradiator irradiates a space above the sample with laser light. The mass spectrometer performs mass spectrometry of an ionized particle. The controller controls at least one of the laser irradiator and the mass spectrometer on the basis of an analysis result of the mass spectrometer.