Orthogonal Multiplexed ESI Inlets for Higher Ion Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiplexed electrospray ionization systems face limitations in ion current improvement due to the Rayleigh limit and substantial ion losses, restricting their analytical utility, despite advancements in ion beam merging and signal sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple heated inlets orthogonally injecting ions into an ion funnel, allowing for the positioning of multiple ion sources on the same side to avoid crosstalk, thereby increasing the total ion current by a factor of more than three, with the number of inlets proportional to the analytical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple ESI sources are multiplexed to increase signal intensity, then the total ion current increases, but substantial ion losses occur that limit analytical utility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ion beams from separate ESI sources into a single merged ion beam using a specialized interface. The interface merges ions from multiple sources spatially and temporally, achieving constructive interference and increased total ion current while minimizing ion losses through optimized merging geometry and timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple ion beams are sequentially injected into a shared transmission pathway. The interface allows ions from different sources to be nested in time and space, with each source's ion beam being introduced into the same vacuum chamber and transmission optics in a coordinated manner, maximizing space utilization and minimizing losses.
2Productivity
If ion sources are positioned close together to increase multiplexing density, then more sources can be accommodated, but crosstalk and deleterious effects between adjacent inlets increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of ion sources to a three-dimensional configuration utilizing orthogonal injection angles. By injecting ion beams from multiple sources at different angles (e.g., 90 degrees apart) into a common focal region, the system achieves high multiplexing density while maintaining sufficient spatial separation to prevent crosstalk between adjacent inlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local injection conditions for each individual inlet while maintaining overall system coordination. Each inlet is designed with specific geometric and angular parameters tailored to its position, allowing maximum ion transmission from each source while ensuring that the localized ion streams do not interfere with neighboring sources. The interface region is specifically engineered to provide optimal conditions for each incoming ion beam.
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 configuration results in a significant increase in total ion current and improved analytical performance, enabling efficient ion beam focusing and transmission, particularly in multiplexed ESI sources, with stable high-brightness ion current generation over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
two or more heated inlets orthogonally injecting ions generated by separate ESI sources into an ion funnel
Implementation Method 2
subambient pressure ionization source interfaced with an electrodynamic ion funnel has been developed to eliminate the loss of ion transmission
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to systems and methods for systems and methods for multiplexed electrospray ionization. In certain embodiments, electrospray ionization sources orthogonally inject ions into an ion funnel with at least two of the sources injecting on the same side of the ion funnel.