Orbital Charged Particle Analyser for Compact High Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charged particle analysers face challenges in achieving high resolution and unlimited mass range while maintaining a compact size, due to limitations in angular and time focusing, and the need for high-tolerance components and complex ion optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A charged particle analyser design featuring two opposing mirrors with linear electric fields along the analyser axis, allowing for near-perfect angular and time focusing, and utilizing arcuate focusing lenses to constrain beam divergence, enabling a compact, high-resolution, and unlimited mass range time-of-flight mass spectrometer with minimal high-tolerance components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the flight path length is increased to achieve high mass resolution, then mass resolution is improved, but instrument size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear flight path into a three-dimensional orbital path around the analyser axis. Charged particles complete multiple orbits (e.g., 3.5 orbits) around the axis while traveling between opposing mirrors, effectively increasing the flight path length without extending the linear dimensions of the instrument. This dimensional transformation allows high mass resolution in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight path is nested within the analyser volume by having particles orbit around the analyser axis multiple times between the mirrors. The orbital path is contained within the space defined by the mirrors and detector arrangement, maximizing the use of available volume to achieve extended effective path length.
2Measurement precision
If complex flight paths with reflectors or sectors are used to increase path length, then mass resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of multiple discrete optical components (reflectors, sectors, lenses) and replaces it with a simplified system using only two opposing mirrors and the inherent orbital motion of charged particles in an electric field. The orbital focusing is achieved through the electric field configuration rather than additional mechanical or optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The two opposing mirrors serve multiple functions: they define the flight path, provide the electric field for orbital motion, and act as the sole focusing elements. The electric field between the mirrors simultaneously confines the particles radially and guides them along the orbital path, eliminating the need for separate focusing components.
3Length of stationary object
If closed flight paths with repeated paths are used, then path length is increased, but mass range is limited due to packet overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional orbital motion around the analyser axis to differentiate particles of different masses. Since particles complete different numbers of orbits before reaching the detector based on their mass-to-charge ratio, there is no temporal overlap even though they follow the same spatial path. This dimensional aspect allows unlimited mass range while maintaining a compact repeated path configuration.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple high-tolerance ion optical components are used, then focusing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for multiple high-precision ion optical components (such as electrostatic lenses, deflectors, and additional mirrors) by utilizing the orbital motion of particles in the electric field between two mirrors. The focusing precision is achieved through the electric field configuration and orbital dynamics rather than multiple mechanical components, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 solution achieves near-perfect angular and time focusing, allowing for high mass resolution and unlimited mass range analysis with a reduced number of high-tolerance components, enhancing the efficiency and precision of charged particle separation.
Implementation Method 1
two opposing mirrors with linear electric fields along the analyser axis
Implementation Method 2
utilizing arcuate focusing lenses to constrain beam divergence
Implementation Method 3
determine the mass to charge ratio of charged particles on the basis of their flight time along a path
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1e
Figure 2a
AI summary
Methods and analysers useful for time of flight mass spectrometry are provided. A method of separating charged particles comprises the steps of: providing an analyser comprising two opposing mirrors each mirror comprising inner and outer field-defining electrode systems elongated along an axis z, the outer system surrounding the inner and defining therebetween an analyser volume, the mirrors creating an electrical field within the analyser volume comprising opposing electrical fields along z, the strength along z of the electrical field being a minimum at a plane z=0; causing a beam of charged particles to fly through the analyser, orbiting around the z axis within the analyser volume, reflecting from one mirror to the other at least once thereby defining a maximum turning point within a mirror; the strength along z of the electrical field at the maximum turning point being X and the absolute strength along z of the electrical field being less than |X|/2 for not more than 2/3 of the distance along z between the plane z=0 and the maximum turning point in each mirror; separating the charged particles according to their flight times; and ejecting at least some of the charged particles having a plurality of m/z from the analyser or detecting the at least some of charged particles having a plurality of m/z, the ejecting or detecting being performed after the particles have undergone the same number of orbits around the axis z.