Multiple Desorption Ionization Source for Surface Sampling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling systems for spectroscopy face limitations in analyzing large areas or samples that cannot be brought into close proximity to the spectrometer without destruction or complex protocols, particularly in medical and security applications, where the range of ion collection and transfer from desorption sites to the spectroscopy system is restricted.
Innovation Solution
A multiple desorption ionization source system utilizing a length of tubing with electrostatic fields to direct ions into a vacuum region of a mass spectrometer, allowing for increased sampling area and simultaneous analysis of multiple surfaces through a plurality of flexible capillary tubes, which can be adjusted to contour the sample and improve ion collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sampling area is increased to analyze large objects without displacement, then the analysis coverage and versatility are improved, but the complexity of ion collection and transfer system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into multiple independent capillary tubes, each capable of sampling from different locations. This segmentation allows the system to cover a larger sampling area while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture, where each tube operates as an independent sampling unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by arranging multiple capillary tubes in three-dimensional space around the sample. This allows simultaneous sampling from multiple surfaces and locations, expanding the effective sampling volume without proportionally increasing system complexity through smart spatial configuration.
2Productivity
If multiple capillary tubes are used to sample from multiple surfaces simultaneously, then the analysis throughput is improved, but the device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple capillary tube sampling systems are merged into a single integrated platform that shares common vacuum interfaces and detection systems. This combining approach enables simultaneous multi-surface analysis while reducing overall system complexity through resource sharing and unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system is designed with universal components that can handle multiple sampling functions through a single interface. The vacuum system and detection apparatus serve multiple capillary tubes simultaneously, allowing the system to achieve high throughput without proportionally increasing control complexity through multi-functional design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible capillary tubes are used to contour the sample, then the adaptability to different sample geometries is improved, but the precision of ion collection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each capillary tube is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its sampling location and angle. The flexible tubes can be positioned to achieve optimal orientation relative to different sample surfaces, maintaining ion collection precision while adapting to various geometries through localized positioning adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible capillary tubes enable dynamic positioning and orientation adjustment to match different sample geometries. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain optimal ion collection precision for each specific sampling location while accommodating diverse sample shapes and sizes.
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 solution enhances the sensitivity and throughput of ion analysis by enabling the collection and transfer of ions from a wider area, allowing for high-resolution analysis of large objects and samples without displacement, and simultaneous analysis of multiple surfaces, improving the capability to determine the composition of specific areas.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic fields which can be used to direct ions to either individual tubes or a plurality of tubes
Implementation Method 2
wide diameter sampling tubes which can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for efficient collection of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces for their subsequent analysis with spectrometry. In an embodiment of the invention, a ‘multiple desorption ionization source’ includes a tube which can contain ions for subsequent sampling within a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, either narrow inside diameter capillary tubes or wide diameter tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the invention, a dopant is introduced into a tube to analyze the sample. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of ionization sources is used to analyze the sample.