Mass Spectrometry Radical Generation Timing for Lower Plasma Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radical supply systems in mass spectrometry face challenges in controlling the timing of plasma generation, leading to increased consumption of material gas and power, as plasma is often generated before sample analysis and continues beyond the necessary time.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometry method and system where a material gas and radio-frequency power are supplied simultaneously with or after introducing a precursor ion into the reaction chamber, and an electron is introduced to generate plasma emission, allowing for controlled radical generation at the time of precursor ion irradiation, reducing gas and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plasma is generated continuously before sample analysis and maintained beyond the necessary time, then reliable radical supply is ensured, but material gas consumption and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by generating plasma only during the specific time window when precursor ions are present in the reaction chamber. The plasma generation is synchronized with the ion introduction timing, turning the continuous plasma generation into a periodic, on-demand process. This ensures radical supply reliability during analysis while eliminating unnecessary power consumption before and after ion introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the plasma generation timing with the predicted arrival time of precursor ions. The system prepares and triggers plasma generation based on anticipated ion introduction, ensuring radicals are available exactly when needed without continuous generation. This timing coordination resolves the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If plasma is generated continuously before sample analysis and maintained beyond the necessary time, then radical availability is ensured, but material gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by supplying material gas continuously but generating plasma only periodically when precursor ions are introduced. This creates a pulsed radical generation pattern that maintains reliability during analysis while dramatically reducing overall material gas consumption compared to continuous plasma generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by ensuring that material gas supply remains continuous (maintaining readiness) while plasma generation is timed to be continuous with ion introduction. This ensures radicals are always available when ions arrive without wasting gas during periods when no ions are present, resolving the contradiction between availability and consumption.
3Ease of operation
If plasma generation timing is not controlled, then simple operation is maintained, but analysis efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using detection signals from the mass spectrometer to control plasma generation timing. The system detects precursor ions and uses this feedback information to trigger plasma generation at the optimal moment. This automated feedback loop maintains ease of operation while significantly improving analysis efficiency by synchronizing radical production with ion presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by allowing the mass spectrometer's own detection signals to control the plasma generation timing. The instrument uses its internal operational data to automatically coordinate radical production with ion analysis, eliminating the need for external timing control while maximizing analysis efficiency.
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 enables precise timing of plasma generation, reducing material gas and power usage, and ensures reliable radical production at the desired moment, enhancing the efficiency of the mass spectrometry process.
Implementation Method 1
a helical antenna is wound around the outer periphery of a tubular body made of a dielectric material such as quartz, a material gas is introduced into the tubular body, radio-frequency power is supplied to the antenna to generate inductively coupled plasma and generate radicals
Implementation Method 2
supplying an electron to the material gas in a state where the radio-frequency power is supplied to generate plasma emission
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometry method in which a precursor ion is introduced into a reaction chamber (step 2), a radical is generated in a radical generation chamber, the precursor ion is irradiated with the radical to generate a product ion (step 15), and a mass of the product ion is measured (step 16) includes, when generating the radical, introducing a material gas into the radical generation chamber (steps 5 and 8), supplying radio-frequency power to the material gas simultaneously with or after introducing the precursor ion into the reaction chamber (steps 5 and 8), and supplying an electron to the material gas in a state where the radio-frequency power is supplied to generate plasma emission, and irradiating the material gas with the plasma emission to generate the radical (steps 6 and 9).