Sample Support Through-Hole Layout for Higher Ion Signal Intensity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mass spectrometry, there is a need to enhance the signal intensity of sample ions to improve detection sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A sample support body with a substrate featuring through holes on both surfaces, utilizing capillary action to move sample components from the second surface to the first surface, where a conductive layer facilitates ionization by energy transmission, and additional through holes between holes allow for detour and accelerated movement, improving signal intensity while maintaining substrate strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the substrate is formed with through holes to enable capillary action for sample movement, then the signal intensity of sample ions is improved, but the strength of the substrate is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal intensityVSAvoidsubstrate strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is designed with non-uniform through hole distribution, where the density and size of through holes vary in different regions. This local variation optimizes capillary action in specific areas while preserving substrate strength in other areas, resolving the contradiction between signal intensity improvement and substrate strength maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate utilizes a porous structure with controlled pore size and distribution to enable capillary action for sample component movement. By optimizing the porous characteristics, the design enhances sample transport efficiency and ion signal intensity while maintaining adequate mechanical strength through appropriate pore size selection and spatial distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Productivity

If multiple through holes are formed to accelerate sample component movement, then the ionization efficiency is improved, but the substrate structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionization efficiencyVSAvoidsubstrate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is segmented into multiple regions with different through hole configurations. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region for specific functions (sample introduction, transport, ionization) while maintaining overall structural integrity, thereby improving ionization efficiency without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The through holes in the substrate serve multiple functions: enabling capillary action for sample component movement, providing pathways for ion transport, and contributing to the overall structural framework. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high ionization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 described sample support body design enhances signal intensity of sample ions through efficient movement and ionization, maintaining substrate strength by varying through hole sizes and distribution, and allowing for stable voltage application.

Implementation Method 1

it is possible to move the component of the sample from the second surface side of the substrate towards the first surface side through the first through hole by using a capillary action

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

energy is transmitted to the component of the sample that is moved to the first surface side via the conductive layer, and thus, the component of the sample can be ionized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy transmission through conductive layer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the component of the sample can be ionized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP3751268B1Sample support, and manufacturing method of sample support
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP3751268B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3751268B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3751268B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sample support body is a sample support body for ionizing a sample, including: a substrate formed with a plurality of first through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; and a conductive layer provided at least on a peripheral portion of the first through hole in the first surface, in which in a partition portion provided between the adjacent first through holes, a plurality of second through holes communicating the adjacent first through holes are formed.