Organic Molecular Cluster Ion Beam Generation via Supersonic Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating ion beams, such as GCIB, are not suitable for analyzing biological samples as they can break molecular links with thermoelectrons of high energy, and primary ion beams like Ga, Bi, O2, Cs, Ar, Xe, SF6, or C60 fail to meet the necessary conditions for various organic materials and biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for generating an organic molecular cluster ion beam using a receiver for accommodating organic materials, a cluster generator for supersonic expansion, a photo-ionizer with UV light for ionization, and entrance electrodes to create a potential difference, along with a mass gate for adjusting cluster size, controlled by a controller to synchronize UV pulse irradiation and potential application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If GCIB is used to generate ion beam, then ionization capability is improved, but molecular bonds are broken due to high energy thermoelectrons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ionization method from thermoelectron-based (GCIB) to UV photoionization. By using UV photons with controlled energy (wavelength 100-200 nm), the ionization process becomes gentler and can be tuned to match the ionization potential of organic molecules without exceeding the energy needed to break molecular bonds, thus resolving the contradiction between ionization capability and molecular bond preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal electron emission system (GCIB) with an optical system (UV light source). This substitution allows for precise control of ionization energy through wavelength selection, enabling soft ionization that maintains molecular integrity while achieving sufficient ionization for mass spectrometry analysis
2Productivity
If primary ion beams (Ga, Bi, O2, Cs, Ar, Xe, SF6, C60) are used, then ion beam generation is achieved, but suitability for various organic materials and biological samples is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal ion beam system that can analyze various organic materials and biological samples by using organic molecular clusters as the ion beam source. The system can be adapted to different sample types by selecting appropriate organic materials for cluster formation, making it versatile across different applications while maintaining soft ionization characteristics suitable for biological samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptation to different organic materials by changing the parameters of the cluster generation process, including the type of organic material used, the cluster size distribution, and the UV photon energy. This allows optimization of the ion beam characteristics for each specific sample type, improving both productivity and adaptability
3Quantity of substance
If cluster size is increased for better analysis, then signal intensity is improved, but device complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller monitors the timing of UV pulse irradiation and synchronizes it with the cluster generation and acceleration processes. This feedback mechanism ensures that clusters of the desired size are formed and ionized at the optimal moment, maintaining signal intensity while managing device complexity through intelligent coordination rather than hardware complexity
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 approach allows for the generation of a soft ionization method suitable for biological samples, enabling precise analysis by adjusting cluster size and minimizing energy requirements, thus providing a suitable ion beam for organic material analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a cluster generator configured to generate a cluster by supersonic expanding the organic material accommodated in the receiver at a high speed
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to irradiate an UV pulse to the photo-ionizer to ionize the cluster
Implementation Method 3
entrance electrodes disposed at both sides of the photo-ionizer and configured to provide a potential difference to the photo-ionizer to generate a cluster ion beam
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for generating an organic molecular cluster ion beam, the device including a receiver configured to accommodate an organic material, a cluster generator configured to generate a cluster by supersonic expanding the organic material accommodated in the receiver at a high speed, a photo-ionizer configured to temporarily accommodate the cluster that is generated through the cluster generator, an ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to irradiate an UV pulse to the photo-ionizer to ionize the cluster, and entrance electrodes disposed at both sides of the photo-ionizer and configured to provide a potential difference to the photo-ionizer to generate a cluster ion beam.