Orthogonal-flow Ion Trap Array for Mass Resolution and Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry devices, such as quadrupole mass spectrometers, face inefficiencies due to limited duty cycle and ion handling capacity, particularly when analyzing complex samples with high ion flux, as they can only process ions of a single m/z ratio at a time, leading to ion loss and reduced analytical capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An orthogonal-flow ion trap array with a two-dimensional grid of electrodes, a gas supply for creating pseudopotential barriers, and RF voltages to manage ion separation and trapping, allowing continuous ion transmission and selective ejection based on mass-to-charge ratio, enhancing ion handling and analysis efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a quadrupole mass spectrometer transmits ions of a single m/z ratio at a time, then mass resolution is improved, but ion handling capacity and duty cycle deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the ion transmission process by introducing multiple ion traps (first ion trap, second ion trap) that can independently hold and manage different ion populations. This segmentation allows simultaneous accumulation of multiple ion types before sequential analysis, thereby improving both mass resolution and ion handling capacity by dividing the single-channel transmission into multi-stage processing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal dimension to the mass analysis process by implementing ion accumulation and staged ejection mechanisms. Ions are accumulated in traps over time, then ejected in controlled sequences to the quadrupole for analysis. This dimensional transformation allows the system to process multiple ion types simultaneously in accumulation while maintaining sequential analysis for mass resolution
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analytes are targeted by switching between ions, then analytical versatility is improved, but duty cycle deteriorates to 1/N
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary accumulation of multiple ion types in the first ion trap before any analysis begins. By pre-loading the trap with a broad range of ions from the sample, the system prepares multiple analyte candidates in advance, allowing subsequent rapid switching between analytes without losing ions that would otherwise be wasted during switch-over periods
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous ion beam from the ion source is continuously accumulated in the first ion trap, maintaining uninterrupted ion capture. The second ion trap continuously receives ions from the first trap, creating a continuous flow pipeline. This continuity ensures that ion accumulation never stops, maximizing duty cycle by eliminating idle periods between analyte transitions
3Productivity
If ions are accumulated in a trap before selective ejection, then ion handling capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements a nested trap configuration where the first ion trap and second ion trap are arranged in series, with the first trap nested within or adjacent to the second trap structure. This nesting allows ions to be accumulated in the first trap, then transferred to the second trap for further processing, creating a compact multi-stage accumulation system that improves ion handling capacity while minimizing spatial complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Both ion traps share common structural elements and control mechanisms, allowing them to perform multiple functions: accumulation, temporary storage, and staged ejection. The traps can operate independently or in sequence, providing universal functionality that handles diverse ion types without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function, thereby reducing overall device 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 solution enables improved ion separation and trapping, increasing the ion handling capacity and reducing ion loss, allowing for more efficient analysis of complex samples by continuously transmitting and selectively trapping ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional mass spectrometry devices.
Implementation Method 1
A drag force can be applied to the ions by the gas flow
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of electrodes can be configured to create one or more pseudopotential barriers of increasing magnitude along a first direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An ion separation device comprising a plurality of electrodes arranged in a two-dimensional grid, a gas supply configured to provide a gas flow along the first direction, and an ion inlet arranged to receive ions. The plurality of electrodes is configured to create one or more pseudopotential barriers of increasing magnitude along a first direction. A drag force is applied to the ions by the gas flow is opposed by a pseudopotential gradient of the plurality of electrodes.