Quadrupole Ion Gating for Phase-Synchronized Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quadrupole devices, such as mass and ion mobility spectrometers, face limitations in ion transmission efficiency and resolution, particularly in X-band and Y-band modes of operation, despite offering high mass resolution and fast mass separation.
Innovation Solution
A method of operating a quadrupole device by varying the intensity of ions passing into the device in synchronization with a repeating voltage waveform, such as in X-band or Y-band modes, to enhance ion transmission by controlling the initial phase of the voltage waveform experienced by ions, thereby reducing maximum oscillation amplitude and improving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ions are passed continuously into the quadrupole device operating in X-band or Y-band mode, then the device can maintain stable operation, but the ion transmission efficiency is limited due to ions experiencing unfavorable phases of the voltage waveform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by pulsing the ion beam at a frequency synchronized with the quadrupole voltage waveform. Specifically, ions are introduced in pulses that are timed to coincide with favorable phases of the voltage waveform (such as when the auxiliary voltage is at zero or near-zero), thereby maximizing transmission efficiency while maintaining stable quadrupole operation during the pulse intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the ion pulse timing with the quadrupole voltage waveform phase before ions enter the device. The ion source is triggered to release ions at predetermined times that correspond to optimal phases of the voltage cycle, ensuring that ions experience the most favorable conditions for transmission from the moment of introduction
2Productivity
If the intensity of ions passing into the quadrupole device is varied with time, then ion transmission is enhanced by optimizing initial phase experience, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by using a control system that monitors the quadrupole voltage waveform and adjusts the ion pulse timing accordingly. The control system receives signals from the voltage waveform generators and uses this information to synchronize ion pulse release with the optimal phases of the voltage cycle, thereby automatically optimizing transmission without requiring complex manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing the control system to handle multiple functions: it generates or coordinates the quadrupole voltage waveforms, times the ion pulses, and adjusts transmission parameters all through a single integrated control mechanism. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity despite the sophisticated ion transmission optimization
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 enhances ion transmission through the quadrupole device, particularly in X-band mode, by optimizing the initial phase of the voltage waveform, leading to improved resolution and transmission characteristics compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
quadrupole device comprises a plurality of electrodes... four parallel rod electrodes... an RF voltage and a DC voltage are applied to the rod electrodes... creating a narrow and long band of stability along the high q boundary near the top of the first stability region (the 'X-band')
Implementation Method 2
ions will assume a stable trajectory in the quadrupole device... maximum amplitude of oscillation of ions... ions which initially experience a phase within a first range of phases
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method of operating a quadrupole device (10) is disclosed. The quadrupole device (10) is operated in a mode of operation by applying a repeating voltage waveform comprising a main drive voltage and at least one auxiliary drive voltage is applied to the quadrupole device to the quadrupole device (10). The intensity of ions passing into the quadrupole device is varied with time in synchronisation with the repeating voltage waveform. This may be done such that the number of ions per unit phase which initially experience a phase within a first range of phases of the repeating voltage waveform is greater than the number of ions per unit phase which initially experience a phase within a second range of phases of the repeating voltage waveform.