Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer Ion Optics Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometers using quadrupole ion optical devices lack an optimal approach to set the relative orientation of rods, which hampers the performance improvement of these instruments.
Innovation Solution
The mass spectrometer is designed with ion optics that process the ion beam to have an elongated spatial distribution, aligning the acceptance axis of the quadrupole ion optical guide with the axis of elongation, allowing for improved ion acceptance and transmission, especially at the lower mass side of the peak, and enabling the use of shorter quadrupole devices while being robust to mechanical intolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the relative orientation of rods in quadrupole devices is set using experimental trial and error, then some performance improvement may be achieved, but the optimization process is inefficient and no optimal approach is determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the relative orientation angle between quadrupole rod pairs to optimize ion transmission. Instead of random trial and error, the method changes the geometric parameter (orientation angle) in a controlled manner to achieve maximum ion acceptance and transmission efficiency through the quadrupole ion optical guide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by rotating the rod pairs to specific non-standard angles relative to each other. The first and second pairs of opposing elongated electrodes are oriented at angles that create an asymmetric configuration optimized for the elongated spatial distribution of ions, improving acceptance on the lower mass side of the peak.
2Measurement precision
If conventional quadrupole devices are used with standard rod orientations, then the device structure is simple, but ion transmission and peak shape are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the quadrupole rod orientation adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows dynamic configuration of the relative angles between rod pairs, enabling optimization for different operating conditions and ion beam characteristics while maintaining ease of operation through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If longer quadrupole devices are used to improve ion transmission, then transmission efficiency increases, but the device becomes more sensitive to mechanical intolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite configuration by combining quadrupole rod pairs at specific relative orientations. This composite geometric arrangement achieves high ion transmission efficiency while maintaining mechanical robustness, as the optimized angle configuration compensates for potential mechanical tolerances in a way that shorter, conventionally-oriented devices cannot.
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 ion transmission and peak shape, particularly at the lower mass flank, allowing for improved performance and robustness against mechanical inaccuracies, and can be applied to various quadrupole devices within the mass spectrometer.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second pairs of opposing elongated electrodes define an acceptance axis in a plane perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the first and second pairs of opposing elongated electrodes, the acceptance axis being an axis on which maximum acceptance of ions to the quadrupole ion optical guide is attained
Data Source
AI summary
In mass spectrometry, ion optics process a received ion beam into an output ion beam travelling in an output direction and having a spatial distribution in a plane perpendicular to the output direction elongated in one dimension of the plane relative to the other dimension of the plane and defines an axis of elongation thereby. A quadrupole ion optical device comprises first and second pairs of opposing elongated electrodes, receiving the output ion beam travelling along the output direction and defining an acceptance axis in a plane perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the first and second pairs of opposing elongated electrodes. The acceptance axis is an axis on which maximum acceptance of ions to the quadrupole ion optical device is attained. The first and second pairs of opposing elongated electrodes are oriented substantially to match the acceptance axis to the axis of elongation defined by the spatial distribution.