Mass Spectrometer Interface with Offset Ion Pathway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers face significant ion loss and signal noise due to incomplete desolvation of analyte droplets when transitioning from atmospheric pressure to vacuum conditions, leading to reduced sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer sample input interface with a desolvation apparatus and ion pathway apparatus, where the desolvation gas flows along a pathway that aligns with the ion pathway, allowing charged droplets to travel a longer distance within the desolvation gas stream for complete desolvation, and the ion pathway is offset to minimize direct line-of-sight entry into the vacuum chamber, reducing noise and maximizing ion generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the interface evacuates ionized gaseous sample from atmospheric pressure to mass spectrometer operating pressure, then the pressure difference is accommodated and sample is transmitted into the mass spectrometer, but a large portion of ions are lost during evacuation and transmission, reducing sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial offset between the desolvation pathway and ion pathway, creating a three-dimensional arrangement where the ion pathway is positioned downstream and offset from the desolvation pathway. This dimensional separation allows ions to be extracted from the desolvation gas flow, reducing ion loss during pressure transition while maintaining effective desolvation.
2Productivity
If charged droplets are sprayed and ionized, then electrical charge is imparted on droplets for mass spectrometry analysis, but some droplets survive desolvation and enter the vacuum chamber, causing noise signals and reducing sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a desolvation apparatus that performs preliminary desolvation action on charged droplets before they enter the mass spectrometer. The desolvation gas flows along a designated pathway, removing solvent from droplets in advance. The ion pathway is offset downstream from this desolvation zone, ensuring that only adequately desolvated ions enter the vacuum chamber, thereby minimizing noise signals.
3Loss of substance
If the desolvation pathway and ion pathway are aligned, then ions can be efficiently extracted from the desolvation stream, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the ion pathway relative to the desolvation pathway. Rather than a symmetric or directly aligned configuration, the ion pathway is offset downstream and positioned at an angle or displacement from the desolvation gas flow. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes ion extraction efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple interface structure.
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 design enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity of the mass spectrometer by ensuring more complete desolvation and reducing the entry of incompletely desolvated droplets, thereby improving the analytical performance without increasing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
These charged droplets undergo a desolvation process, and become single or multiple charged gaseous ions
Implementation Method 2
Ionization of a gaseous analyte sample at atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 3
an ion pathway apparatus for defining an ion pathway for analyte solution droplets to follow, the ion pathway leading into the mass spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometer sample input interface comprises a desolvation apparatus defining a desolvation pathway along which a desolvation gas flows, in a direction from upstream to downstream, the desolvation pathway having a desolvation pathway portion; and an ion pathway apparatus for defining an ion pathway for analyte solution droplets to follow, the ion pathway leading into the mass spectrometer, the ion pathway including an ion pathway portion that follows the desolvation pathway portion.