Parallel Plate Electrode Arrangement for Ion Beam Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charged-particle transport systems face challenges in maintaining efficient focusing and transport of charged particles over long distances without intensity loss, particularly in varying pressure environments, where existing multipole systems are limited in precision and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The use of flat plate electrodes arranged in a parallel and inclined configuration with tapered electrode strips, allowing for variable widths and potentials to create dynamic multipole fields that adapt to changing conditions, enabling precise focusing and transport of charged particles across different pressure regimes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rod-like electrodes are arranged parallel to and around the particle beam to form multipole fields, then charged particles can be transported over long distances, but the precision and flexibility of focusing is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing precisionVSAvoidelectrode configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous rod-like electrodes into discrete electrode strips arranged in parallel rows on flat plates. This segmentation allows independent control of each strip's potential, enabling precise local field adjustments and flexible focusing patterns while maintaining the multipole field structure for long-distance transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control by applying time-varying potentials to the electrode strips, allowing the multipole field configuration to be adjusted in real-time. This enables adaptive focusing precision for different particle beams and transport conditions without changing the physical electrode structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If lenses are used to repeatedly refocus the charged particle beam, then intensity losses are reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam intensity maintenanceVSAvoidnumber of focusing lenses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the electrode strips multi-functional by enabling them to perform both transport and focusing functions simultaneously. By controlling the potentials of different electrode strip groups, the same electrode structure can create multipole fields for transport and lens-like fields for focusing, eliminating the need for separate focusing lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (potentials) of the electrode strips dynamically to achieve different focusing strengths and positions. By adjusting the voltage magnitudes and phases applied to different electrode groups, the system can refocus the beam at various locations along the transport path without adding physical lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If magnetic or electric quadrupole lenses are used to focus charged particles in one direction, then focusing precision is improved, but the system becomes less adaptable to different focusing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing precisionVSAvoidfocusing direction flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic alternation of potential phases between electrode strip groups to achieve focusing in different directions. By switching the phase relationships between adjacent electrode strips, the system can dynamically change the focusing plane orientation, providing versatility while maintaining precision through controlled periodic field variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 enhances the precision and flexibility of multipole fields, allowing for efficient ion beam transport and focusing in both high and low-pressure environments, improving mass analyzing capabilities and ion beam manipulation.

Implementation Method 1

forming the required transverse fields by electrode strips on flat plates arranged in a substantially parallel configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

charged particles are transported in vacuum or in a buffer gas with transverse forces caused by electric multipole fields formed by rod-like electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMultipole field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

transverse forces caused by electric multipole fields formed by rod-like electrodes that are arranged parallel to and around the particle beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2033209B1Parallel plate electrode arrangement apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP2033209B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2033209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2033209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for guiding an ion beam along an axis (Z), comprises at least one section having upper flat plate strip electrodes (Iu, 2u, 3u, 4u and 5u) and lower flat plate strip electrodes (Id, 2d, 3d, 4d and 5d) for producing at least one electric field of substantially symmetric in a parallel direction and substantially antisymmetric in a perpendicular direction with respect to a plane including a beam axis and a fringe-field boundary that is located at the end of the at least one section.