Remote DART-MS Chamber Layout for In-Situ Sample Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DART-MS systems face limitations in enhancing sample detection sensitivity due to restricted spatial freedom and the inability to apply additional conditions like light, heat, and vacuum, which hinders the analysis of complex samples.
Innovation Solution
A remote chamber and DART-MS system design that includes a lower chamber for sample accommodation and an upper chamber with a guide flow path, allowing for ventilation between spaces, enabling light irradiation, temperature control, electricity supply, and gas flow, thereby enhancing spatial freedom and enabling in-situ mass spectrometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sampling is carried out in an open space to enable ambient mass spectrometry, then the capability of quickly analyzing molecular weight and structure is improved, but the detection sensitivity deteriorates due to the need for dense arrangement of apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The open sampling space is segmented into multiple chambers: a first chamber for sample introduction and preliminary processing, a second chamber for ionization, and a third chamber for mass analysis. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function, improving detection sensitivity while maintaining the open sampling advantage of rapid analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier gas flow system is introduced as an intermediary to transport desorbed sample components from the first chamber through the second chamber to the third chamber. This mediator enables efficient ion transport and concentration enhancement, improving detection sensitivity without compromising the rapid analysis capability of open sampling.
2Measurement precision
If apparatuses are densely arranged to secure detection sensitivity in open space sampling, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the ability to introduce additional analytical instruments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional dense arrangement of apparatuses in open space to a three-dimensional multi-chamber configuration. The chambers are stacked vertically or arranged in series, providing spatial freedom to integrate additional instruments such as optical microscopy and conditioning devices without compromising detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber design creates universal interfaces and standardized connection points that can accommodate various additional analytical instruments. Each chamber can be independently configured and integrated with different devices, enhancing the system's adaptability and versatility for analyzing complex samples with multiple analytical requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional conditions such as light, heat, and vacuum are applied to enhance sample analysis, then the analysis capability for complex samples is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different conditioning functions (light irradiation, heating, vacuum application) are assigned to separate chambers or modules within the multi-chamber system. This segmentation allows each function to be independently controlled and optimized, enhancing the ability to analyze complex samples while managing system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Sample conditioning operations such as heating, light irradiation, or vacuum treatment are performed in preliminary chambers before the sample reaches the ionization and analysis chambers. This preliminary action prepares the sample in advance, simplifying the requirements of subsequent analysis stages and reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the sample is positioned directly between the ion source and MS for simple analysis, then the operational simplicity is improved, but the spatial freedom for additional instruments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The direct positioning arrangement is segmented into multiple sequential chambers that maintain the straightforward sample-to-analysis pathway while providing intermediate spaces for additional instruments. The first chamber handles sample introduction, the second chamber performs ionization, and the third chamber conducts mass analysis, preserving operational simplicity while enabling instrument integration.
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 remote chamber and DART-MS system improve detection sensitivity by allowing additional conditions to be applied to the sample, enhancing the degree of spatial freedom between instruments, and facilitating in-situ mass spectrometry with light irradiation, temperature control, and gas flow.
Implementation Method 1
a guide flow path, into which a component desorbed from the sample flows, is formed in an upper chamber coupled to an upper end of the lower chamber
Implementation Method 2
a light source unit configured to irradiate a laser to the sample through a window formed at an upper end of the remote chamber
Implementation Method 3
an ionization unit configured to ionize the material to be analyzed by emitting a helium beam to the material to be analyzed discharged to the other end of the gas transfer tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a remote chamber and a direct analysis in real time (DART)-mass spectrometry (MS) system using same, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a remote chamber and a DART-MS system using same, wherein the degree of spatial freedom between a DART device and an MS device can be improved and additional conditions can be applied to a sample.