Non-collinear RF Funnel and TIMS Analyzer for Hybrid Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for hybrid mass spectrometric systems that enable multiple operational modes and the analysis of small sample quantities by coupling ion mobility spectrometry with tandem mass spectrometry, particularly with multiple ion sources and improved mobility resolution.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometric system comprising an ion source, a first RF funnel, an ion mobility separator, and a mass analyzer with a non-collinear arrangement of the RF funnel and ion mobility analyzer, allowing for elevated pressures in one vacuum chamber to decouple gas dynamics and enable multiple operational modes, including IMS/(tandem)MS, with additional features like RF multipole and TIMS analyzers for enhanced fragmentation and activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a collinear arrangement of RF funnel and ion mobility analyzer is used, then the system structure is simpler, but gas dynamics cannot be decoupled and mobility resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a collinear (1D) arrangement to a non-collinear (2D/3D) arrangement of the RF funnel and ion mobility analyzer. This spatial reconfiguration in another dimension allows independent optimization of gas dynamics in each region, enabling elevated pressure in the RF funnel chamber without compromising the ion mobility analyzer's performance, thereby improving mobility resolution while maintaining structural feasibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If elevated pressure is applied in the RF funnel chamber, then gas dynamics are improved and multiple operational modes are enabled, but the ion mobility analyzer pressure must be maintained separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into separate vacuum chambers - one for the RF funnel operating at elevated pressure and another for the ion mobility analyzer operating at lower pressure. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal pressure independently, enabling multiple operational modes (such as IMS/MS and IMS/IMS) while managing the complexity through modular chamber design with controlled connections
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ion sources are integrated, then the system can analyze diverse samples including small quantities, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple ion sources (such as ESI and MALDI sources) that can be selectively activated to provide universal sample introduction capability. This multi-functionality allows the system to analyze diverse samples including small quantities using different ionization mechanisms, while the shared downstream components (RF funnel, ion mobility analyzer, mass analyzer) reduce the overall complexity compared to having separate complete systems for each ionization method
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 system allows for increased mobility resolution, efficient ion handling, and multiple operational modes, including MS, tandem MS, and IMS/(tandem)MS, facilitating the analysis of small sample quantities with improved gas dynamics and fragmentation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
uses an electric RF field for radially confining the ions
Implementation Method 2
the mobility of ions in a buffer gas depends on molecular geometries of the ions such that it is often possible to resolve and thus separate isomers or conformers
Implementation Method 3
The electric field drives the ions through the drift tube, where they collide with the neutral atoms or molecules of the buffer gas and separate based on their ion mobility
Implementation Method 4
separate them according to their mobility
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to hybrid IMS/MS systems and provides hybrid IMS/MS system comprising an RF funnel, an ion mobility analyzer and a mass analyzer wherein the RF funnel is arranged non-collinearly to the ion mobility analyzer, preferably a TIMS analyzer (TIMS=trapped ion mobility spectrometry).