Multi-reflecting Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer Ion Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-of-flight mass spectrometers face challenges in achieving high resolving power and low aberration coefficients, which affect ion focusing and sensitivity, particularly in practical applications where instrument size and ion transmission are considerations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-reflecting time-of-flight mass spectrometer design incorporating an ion source, orthogonal accelerator, and an ion mirror assembly with gridless planar mirrors and adjustable electrodes, providing time-focusing along a third axis independently of ion energy and position, and allowing for multiple reflections to enhance ion focusing and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ion mirror arrangements are used, then ion transmission is maintained, but resolving power decreases due to high aberration coefficients
Solution Approach 1:
The ion mirror assembly is divided into multiple discrete electrodes (first ion mirror electrode, second ion mirror electrode, third ion mirror electrode, fourth ion mirror electrode) arranged in sequence. This segmentation allows independent control of each electrode's potential, enabling precise manipulation of ion trajectories to reduce aberration coefficients while maintaining transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third axis (Y-axis) for time-focusing that is independent of the traditional first axis (X-axis, ion path) and second axis (Z-axis, transverse direction). By applying specific potentials to the segmented electrodes, the system achieves time-focusing along the third axis, reducing time-of-flight variations for ions with different initial positions and energies without compromising transmission through the first and second axes.
2Measurement precision
If high resolving power is achieved through special electrode arrangements, then aberration coefficients are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented ion mirror electrode assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects ions to extend the effective flight path (improving resolving power), focuses ions spatially in the transverse direction (reducing geometric aberrations), and focuses ions in time along the third axis (reducing time-of-flight aberrations). This multi-functionality achieves high resolving power without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable electrical potentials on each electrode segment to dynamically control ion trajectories. By changing the potential parameters (V1, V2, V3, V4) on the four electrodes, the system can optimize performance for different ion masses, energies, and initial conditions, achieving low aberration coefficients across varying operating conditions without physical reconfiguration.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple reflections are implemented to enhance ion focusing, then sensitivity increases, but ion transmission losses may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ion mirror electrodes are designed to create equipotential surfaces that guide ions through multiple reflections with minimal energy loss. By carefully controlling the potentials on adjacent electrodes, the system maintains smooth potential gradients that prevent ion scattering and ensure efficient transmission through multiple bounce cycles, thereby maintaining high sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable potential system on the segmented electrodes provides feedback control for ion trajectories. By monitoring ion arrival patterns and adjusting electrode potentials accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between multiple reflections (for sensitivity) and transmission efficiency, ensuring that ions undergo sufficient reflections to achieve high sensitivity without excessive transmission losses.
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 achieves high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis with minimal variations in flight time across a range of energies, enabling simultaneous arrival of ions at the detector and increased duty cycle without the need for lenses, thus improving sensitivity and practicality in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an ion source capable of generating a beam of ions and arranged to accelerate the ions in a first direction along a first axis
Implementation Method 2
an orthogonal accelerator arranged to accelerate the ions in a second direction along a second axis, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction
Implementation Method 3
an ion mirror assembly including a plurality of gridless planar mirrors and a plurality of electrodes
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of electrodes are arranged to provide time-focusing of ions along a third axis substantially independent of ion energy and ion position
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-reflecting time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-TOF MS) includes an ion source, an orthogonal accelerator, and an ion mirror assembly. The ion source is capable of generating a beam of ions, and is arranged to accelerate the ions in a first direction along a first axis. The orthogonal accelerator is arranged to accelerate the ions in a second direction along a second axis. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The ion mirror assembly includes a plurality of gridless planar mirrors and a plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes are arranged to provide time-focusing of ions along a third axis substantially independent of ion energy and ion position.