Orthogonal Ion Extraction from Linear Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion analysis methods face limitations in ion throughput, scan rate, and tolerance to space charge due to the need for ion trapping and cooling, which reduces the duty cycle and mass spectral resolving power in mass spectrometers.
Innovation Solution
An ion analysis apparatus that extracts ions directly from an ion guide without intermediate trapping, using radial confinement and axial potential gradients to propel ions orthogonally towards a mass analyzer, allowing for higher scan rates and improved space charge tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ions are trapped and cooled in a linear ion trap before extraction, then ion density is reduced and space charge effects are minimized, but ion throughput and scan rate are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts ions directly from the ion guide into the extraction region without intermediate trapping and cooling steps. The ion guide continuously transports ions along its optical axis, and ions are extracted orthogonally when they pass through the extraction region, eliminating the bottleneck of trap-based accumulation and cooling while maintaining high ion throughput and scan rates
Solution Approach 2:
The ion guide performs preliminary ion transport and positioning along its optical axis before extraction. Ions are pre-cooled and guided through the extraction region where they are then extracted orthogonally, preparing them for mass analysis without requiring subsequent trapping operations, thus maintaining both high throughput and spectral quality
2Quantity of substance
If ions are trapped in a fixed region of space to form a cloud, then ions can be cooled and accumulated, but the duty cycle is reduced and scan rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ion guide operates continuously to transport ions along its optical axis, and the extraction region continuously extracts ions orthogonally as they pass through. This continuous operation eliminates the cyclic trapping and extraction process, maintaining high duty cycle while accumulating sufficient ions for mass analysis through continuous ion flow rather than discrete traps
3Productivity
If radial confinement is applied in the extraction region, then ion extraction efficiency is improved, but ion density increases and space charge effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Radial confinement is applied locally and transiently only within the extraction region where ions pass through, rather than maintaining continuous radial confinement throughout the ion guide. This localized application extracts ions efficiently when needed while allowing ions to maintain lower density during transport, minimizing space charge effects in the bulk ion population
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 enables significantly higher ion throughput and scan rates, enhancing the dynamic range and tolerance to space charge, with no need for ion trapping or cooling, resulting in improved mass spectral analysis capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
ions are subjected to radial confinement/compression prior to extraction, and applied within the extraction region
Implementation Method 2
ions are subjected to radial confinement/compression prior to extraction, and applied within the extraction region
Implementation Method 3
the extraction region being configured to extract ions moving along the ion optical axis of the ion guide in an extraction direction, the extraction direction being substantially orthogonal to the ion optical axis of the ion guide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with an ion analysis apparatus comprising an ion guide having an ion optical axis extending from an ion inlet to an ion outlet, the ion guide being configured to guide ions from the ion inlet to the ion outlet along the ion optical axis, wherein the ion guide comprises at least one extraction region located between the ion inlet and the ion outlet, the at least one extraction region being configured to extract ions moving along the ion optical axis of the ion guide in an extraction direction, the extraction direction being substantially orthogonal to the ion optical axis of the ion guide, wherein the apparatus includes ion radial confinement means that in use confine the ions in the radial direction within the ion guide.