Rotating Eccentric Target for Atmospheric Pressure Ion Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimode ion sources for mass spectrometry are mechanically complex and suffer from lower sensitivities due to divergent spray geometries, which affect the ionization efficiency of a wide range of analyte polarities.
Innovation Solution
An ion source design featuring a nebulizer that emits a high-velocity stream of droplets impacting a closely positioned target, optimized for high-velocity droplet impact ionization, with the target positioned under computer control for signal intensity monitoring, enhancing ionization efficiency across a wide range of analyte polarities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a broad area charged target plate is used in SACI ion source, then the ion source can handle a wide range of analyte polarities, but the spray becomes divergent and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ionization process into two independent modes (ESI and APCI) that can be selectively activated. The ion source is segmented into an ESI region with its own capillary and voltage system, and an APCI region with its own corona needle and heating system, allowing each mode to operate independently without compromising the other's performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of ionization modes by independently adjusting the voltage on the ESI capillary and the corona needle current. This allows the system to adaptively switch between ESI and APCI modes or operate in both modes simultaneously, optimizing performance for different analyte polarities while maintaining focused spray geometry
2Adaptability or versatility
If ESI and APCI are combined in a single ion source, then both ionization techniques can be used without switching, but the device becomes mechanically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ESI and APCI components into a single ion source housing with shared vacuum interface and detector path. The ESI capillary and corona needle are positioned in close proximity, sharing the same ionization region and vacuum envelope, which reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate ion sources
Solution Approach 2:
The ion source is designed as a universal platform that can perform both ESI and APCI ionization functions. The shared vacuum interface, common ion extraction region, and unified detector connection allow a single device to replace what would traditionally require two separate ion sources, simplifying the overall system architecture
3Length of stationary object
If the distance between spray point and target is increased, then the target can be positioned closer to the mass spectrometer inlet, but the spray becomes divergent and ionization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically controls the spray characteristics by adjusting the voltage on the ESI capillary and the gas flow rates in the APCI region. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain a focused, non-divergent spray over extended distances, enabling the target to be positioned closer to the mass spectrometer inlet without sacrificing ionization efficiency
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 design improves ionization sensitivity and efficiency by concentrating the spray flux at the target, reducing beam divergence, and allowing for efficient ionization of both high and low polarity analytes without the need to switch ionization techniques, resulting in a more sensitive and versatile API source.
Implementation Method 1
one or more nebulisers are arranged and adapted to emit, in use, a stream predominantly of droplets which are caused to impact upon the one or more targets and to ionise the droplets to form a plurality of ions
Data Source
AI summary
An ion source includes a nebulizer and a target, with the nebulizer being arranged and adapted to emit, in use, a stream of analyte droplets which are caused to impact upon the target and to ionize analyte to form a plurality of analyte ions. The target comprises a pin or rod which is mounted off-set from a rotating shaft. The target is rotated or translated in use and follows an eccentric path such that the relative position between the nebulizer and target varies as the target is rotated or translated.