Mixed Magnet Ion Source for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sensitivity of mass spectrometers is limited by the efficiency of the ion source, ion losses during transit through the mass spectrometer, and detector sensitivity, necessitating improved ion sources to enhance detection limits and reduce sample requirements.
Innovation Solution
A magnet assembly for the ion source comprising a first magnet with a higher Curie temperature and lower temperature coefficient, and a second magnet with higher remanence, arranged in a temperature-compensated configuration to maintain a stable magnetic field despite temperature changes, integrated with an electron source and lens elements to optimize ion generation and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single magnet type is used in the ion source, then the device structure is simple, but the magnetic field stability under temperature changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is divided into multiple magnet types (first magnet and second magnet) with different magnetic properties. Each magnet type serves a specific function: the first magnet provides base magnetic field with thermal stability, while the second magnet enhances field strength. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for its specific role, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and field stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite magnet assembly combining different magnet materials with distinct Curie temperatures and temperature coefficients. The first magnet material is selected for low temperature coefficient (high thermal stability), while the second magnet material provides high remanence (strong magnetic field). This composite approach enables the system to maintain stable magnetic field under temperature variations while achieving high ion production efficiency.
2Productivity
If magnets with high remanence are used to strengthen the magnetic field, then ion production efficiency improves, but temperature sensitivity of the magnetic field increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the magnet assembly have different magnetic properties optimized for specific functions. The first magnet (with low temperature coefficient) is positioned to provide thermally stable base field, while the second magnet (with high remanence) is positioned to enhance field strength in the ionization region. This local optimization allows high ion production efficiency without excessive temperature sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully selects and combines magnet materials with specific magnetic parameters (Curie temperature, temperature coefficient, remanence) to achieve the desired balance. By changing the parameters of individual magnet components rather than using a single magnet material, the system achieves both high ion production efficiency and acceptable temperature stability.
3Measurement precision
If the magnetic field is strengthened to improve ion generation, then detection sensitivity improves, but the requirement for precise temperature control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first magnet acts as a thermal intermediary, providing a thermally stable base magnetic field that is less sensitive to temperature changes. This stable base field allows the second magnet (which is more temperature-sensitive but provides stronger field) to operate effectively without requiring stringent temperature control, thus improving detection sensitivity while reducing temperature control requirements.
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
The solution enhances the axial magnetic field and ion production efficiency, allowing for the detection of lower compound concentrations and reducing sample usage by maintaining a stable magnetic field and improving ion source performance.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet assembly can be configured for generating an axial magnetic field in the ionization chamber
Implementation Method 2
The first magnet type can have a higher Curie temperature than the second magnet type
Implementation Method 3
The first magnet type can have a lower temperature coefficient than the second magnet type
Implementation Method 4
The second magnet type can have a higher remanence than the first magnet type
Implementation Method 5
The electron source can include a thermionic filament, and the electron source can be configured for accelerating an electron beam through the ionization chamber along the source axis
Implementation Method 6
The lens element can be positioned at the second end and can be configured to reflect electrons back along the source axis towards the electron source
Implementation Method 7
a heat shield located between the first magnet and the second magnet; and a heat sink coupled to the heat shield
Implementation Method 8
a heat shield located between the first magnet and the second magnet; and a heat sink coupled to the heat shield
Data Source
AI summary
A magnet assembly for an ion source comprising a first magnet of a first magnet type; a second magnet of a second magnet type; a heat shield located between the first magnet and the second magnet; and a heat sink coupled to the heat shield; wherein the first magnet type having a higher Curie temperature than the second magnet type.