MR-ToF Mass Analyser Trapping Region for Parallel Ion Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The resolution of multi-reflection time-of-flight (MR-ToF) mass analysers is limited by the length of the ion flight path and arrival time spread, hindering effective separation and accurate mass assignment of analyte ions.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating an MR-ToF mass analyser that includes trapping deflector(s) and/or lens(es) to confine ions in an independent trapping region, allowing multiple reflections while freeing up the remainder of the analyser for simultaneous analysis of additional ion packets, and employing a 'zoom' mode to increase the ion path length without occupying the entire analyser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the ion flight path length is increased to improve resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the analysis time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresolutionVSAvoidanalysis speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The analyser is divided into distinct functional regions: an independent trapping region where first packets of ions are confined and analysed, and a remaining region where second packets of ions can simultaneously travel and be analysed. This spatial segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple ion packets, improving productivity while maintaining high resolution in the trapping region through extended ion path length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the ion path length is increased using zoom mode with periodic lenses, then the resolution is improved, but the entire analyser body is occupied preventing simultaneous analysis of additional ion packets

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresolutionVSAvoidsimultaneous analysis capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Trapping deflectors and/or lenses are introduced as intermediary elements that selectively confine specific packets of ions in the trapping region while allowing other packets to pass through to the detector. These intermediary components enable the creation of independent trapping regions without requiring the entire analyser body, thus maintaining versatility for simultaneous analysis of multiple ion packets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If trapping deflectors and lenses are added to create independent trapping regions, then simultaneous analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous analysis capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trapping deflectors and lenses are designed to serve multiple functions: they create independent trapping regions for high-resolution analysis of specific ion packets, while simultaneously allowing the remaining analyser body to function as a conventional flight path for other ion packets. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of the added components and justifies the increased device complexity through enhanced productivity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances the resolution of the analyser by increasing the ion path length within the analyser, enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple ion packets and reducing space charge effects, thus improving separation and mass assignment.

Implementation Method 1

one or more trapping deflector(s) and/or lens(es) arranged between the ion mirrors... using the one or more trapping deflector(s) and/or lens(es) to cause at least some ions from the first packet of ions to become trapped

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

two ion mirrors spaced apart and opposing each other in a first direction X... As ions pass along the analyser in the drift direction Y, they make multiple reflections in the X-direction between the mirrors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

their mass to charge ratio (m/z) is determined from their drift time through the analyser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20250218760A1Multi-reflection time-of-flight mass analyser with independent trapping region

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 THERMO FISHER SCI BREMEN

AI summary

A multi-reflection time-of-flight (MR-ToF) mass analyser comprises two opposing ion mirrors spaced apart in a first direction, each mirror elongated generally along a drift direction between a first end and a second end, the drift direction being orthogonal to the first direction. An ion injector injects ions into a space between the ion mirrors, and the ions are detected after a plurality of reflections between the ion mirrors. A first deflector and/or a lens is between the ion mirrors, proximate the first end of the ion mirrors, a second deflector and/or lens is arranged between the ion mirrors proximate the second end of the ion mirrors or between the first and second ends of the ion mirrors. One or more trapping deflector(s) and/or lens(es) are between the ion mirrors, proximate the second end of the ion mirrors or between the first and second ends of the ion mirrors.