Mass Spectrometry Detector Array for Simultaneous Ion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers are bulky, power-intensive, and limited in portability due to their large size and requirement for low-pressure vacuum chambers, which leads to increased recombination of positively and negatively charged particles when trying to detect both simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact mass spectrometry systems that operate at high pressures, utilizing a detector subsystem with multiple detector elements capable of receiving both positively and negatively charged particles simultaneously, reducing recombination and increasing efficiency through the use of a compact ion trap and efficient ion sources like glow discharge ionization sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mass spectrometers use low-pressure vacuum chambers to detect charged particles, then detection capability is maintained, but particle recombination increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple independent detector elements arranged in an array, each capable of detecting charged particles independently. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple particle types without requiring them to travel long distances through vacuum, thereby reducing recombination while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The detector elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array configuration rather than a single linear detector. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows particles to be detected at different positions simultaneously, reducing the distance particles must travel and minimizing recombination effects
2Productivity
If conventional mass spectrometers detect both positively and negatively charged particles simultaneously, then data acquisition time is reduced, but particle recombination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array consists of multiple independent detector elements that can be independently biased with different polarities. This allows simultaneous detection of positively and negatively charged particles at different detector elements without the particles needing to travel through each other's electric fields, reducing recombination while maintaining fast data acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detector array have different local electrical properties (positive or negative bias) optimized for detecting specific particle types. This local differentiation allows simultaneous detection of opposite charge particles without cross-interference that would cause recombination
3Volume of moving object
If mass spectrometers are made compact for portability, then device size is reduced, but detection sensitivity may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The ion trap and detector array are merged into a compact integrated structure where the detector elements are positioned in close proximity to the ion trap apertures. This merging eliminates the need for long particle transmission paths, allowing compact device design while maintaining high detection sensitivity through direct particle collection
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detector elements are arranged in an array that effectively 'copies' the detection capability across multiple positions. This array configuration provides redundant detection pathways, maintaining high sensitivity even in a compact form factor where individual detector-to-source distances are minimized
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 the efficient detection of both positively and negatively charged particles at the same time, reducing data acquisition time and increasing sensitivity, while being compact and portable, capable of operating within a higher pressure range than conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
applies an electrical signal to the ion source to generate positively and negatively charged particles from sample particles in the system
Implementation Method 2
applies a first electrical voltage to the first detector element so that the first detector element receives the at least some of the ejected positively charged particles
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure features mass spectrometry systems and methods that include an ion source, an ion trap, a detector subsystem featuring first and second detector elements, and a controller electrically connected to the ion source, the ion trap, and the detector subsystem and configured so that during operation of the system, the controller: applies an electrical signal to the ion source to generate positively and negatively charged particles from sample particles in the system; applies an electrical signal to the ion trap to eject a plurality of particles from the ion trap through a common aperture of the ion trap, and determines information about the sample particles based on first and second electrical signals generated by the ejected particles.