Planar RF Ion Guide for Neutral Separation and Ion Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion funnels used in mass spectrometers are complex, expensive, and prone to contamination, leading to ion fragmentation and loss, as well as sensitivity issues due to neutral molecules striking RF electrodes.
Innovation Solution
An ion guide with a deflector electrode and a set of RF electrodes having a planar surface, where ions are deflected onto a second axis using a DC potential and RF field, allowing for better ion focusing and separation from neutral molecules without the need for complex structures or expensive manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ion funnels are used for ion capture and transport, then ion transport function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential ion guiding function from the complex ion funnel structure. By using a simplified electrode configuration with RF electrodes and a capillary, the invention achieves ion transport without requiring the full ion funnel assembly, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified version of the ion funnel by copying only the essential elements needed for ion transport. The RF electrodes and capillary arrangement replicate the ion guiding function of a full ion funnel with reduced structural complexity and manufacturing cost
2Manufacturing precision
If ion funnels are used for ion capture, then ion focusing is achieved, but contamination of RF electrodes occurs leading to ion fragmentation and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capillary as an intermediary element between the ion source and RF electrodes. The capillary serves as a mediator that guides ions into the RF field while preventing direct contact between neutral molecules/droplets and the RF electrodes, thus eliminating contamination while maintaining ion focusing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the source of contamination (direct ion injection into RF electrodes) while extracting and preserving the essential ion focusing function through the capillary-RF electrode configuration, preventing contamination before it can occur
3Reliability
If conventional ion funnels are used, then ion transport is achieved, but sensitivity issues arise due to neutral molecules striking RF electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary acts as a mediator that separates the ion transport function from the detection function. By guiding ions through the capillary into the RF field, neutral molecules are excluded from directly striking the RF electrodes, preventing signal interference and maintaining detection sensitivity while ensuring reliable ion transport
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
The ion guide is less complex and cost-effective, reduces contamination, and improves ion focusing and separation, minimizing fragmentation and loss, while maintaining sensitivity by directing ions away from RF electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector electrode configured to receive a DC potential to deflect ions away from the first axis and towards the second axis
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electrodes having a substantially planar surface parallel to the second axis and configured to receive RF voltages such that there is a voltage phase difference between adjacent electrodes to generate a RF field thereby, the RF field directing the deflected ions on to the second axis towards the ion outlet
Implementation Method 3
the ions may then be constrained by an RF pseudopotential surface generated by the plurality of electrodes when RF voltages are received or applied
Data Source
AI summary
An ion guide comprising: an ion receiving portion configured to receive ions along a first axis and an ion outlet configured for ejection of ions from the ion guide along a second axis different from the first axis; a deflector electrode configured to receive a DC potential to deflect ions away from the first axis and towards the second axis; and a plurality of electrodes having a substantially planar surface parallel to the second axis and configured to receive RF voltages such that there is a voltage phase difference between adjacent electrodes to generate a RF field thereby, the RF field directing the deflected ions on to the second axis towards the ion outlet.