Projection Mass Spectrometry with Dynamic Extraction Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometry using existing projection type mass spectrometers faces challenges in processing speed and data storage due to the need to handle large amounts of data, with room for improvement in mass resolution and data reduction.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer configuration that includes a sample stage, irradiation unit, extraction electrode, electron emission unit, and imaging part, with a control unit that adjusts the potential of the extraction electrode based on the detection target component to improve mass resolution and reduces data acquisition by imaging only the detection target component, utilizing a phosphor and gate mechanism for accurate and efficient data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the potential of the extraction electrode is made variable to improve mass resolution, then the mass resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction electrode potential is made dynamically variable rather than fixed, allowing it to change according to the mass-to-charge ratio of ions being detected. This dynamic adjustment enables precise control of ion extraction timing to achieve uniform arrival times at the detector, thereby improving mass resolution while managing the added control complexity through automated timing sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential parameter of the extraction electrode is changed based on the specific ion mass being detected. By adjusting the potential parameter dynamically, the system optimizes ion extraction for different mass ranges, achieving high mass resolution across multiple components without requiring permanent structural modifications to the electrode system.
2Loss of information
If all ion components are imaged simultaneously, then complete sample information is obtained, but the data amount and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented by mass-to-charge ratio, with different extraction electrode potentials applied to different ion mass ranges. This segmentation allows the system to capture images for specific ion components at different time points, obtaining complete sample information through sequential imaging while significantly reducing the data amount stored at any single moment compared to simultaneous imaging of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction electrode potential is varied periodically to selectively extract and image different ion components at different time intervals. This periodic action enables the system to cycle through multiple mass ranges, accumulating complete sample information over time while maintaining low instantaneous data requirements, as only ions within the current potential window are imaged during each cycle.
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 processing speed and mass resolution while reducing data storage needs by selectively imaging and capturing data for specific components, improving the overall efficiency of mass spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the sample with an energy beam and ionize a component of the sample
Implementation Method 2
a first electrode configured to extract an ionized sample, which is a component of the sample ionized by the irradiation unit, from a surface of the sample by a potential difference between the first electrode and the sample stage
Implementation Method 3
an electron emission unit disposed downstream of the first electrode in a flight path of the ionized sample and configured to emit electrons in accordance with the ionized sample
Implementation Method 4
a phosphor disposed between the electron emission unit and the imaging part and configured to emit light corresponding to the electrons emitted by the electron emission unit
Data Source
AI summary
The mass spectrometer includes a sample stage, an irradiation unit that irradiates the sample with an energy beam and ionizes a component of the sample, an extraction electrode that extracts the ionized sample from the surface of the sample by a potential difference from the sample stage, an MCP that emits electrons in accordance with the ionized sample, an imaging part that acquires an image based on the electrons emitted by the MCP, and a control unit that controls operations of the irradiation unit, the extraction electrode, and the imaging part. The control unit changes the potential of the extraction electrode at a timing in accordance with the detection target component after the irradiation of the energy beam by the irradiation unit, and causes the imaging part to acquire an image as an analysis target in a period in accordance with the detection target component.