Porous Sample Support Structure for Stronger Mass Spectrometry Signals
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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 having first through holes on both surfaces and a conductive layer on the peripheral portions, featuring second through holes between adjacent first holes to facilitate capillary action and energy transmission for ionization, which accelerates the movement of sample components from the second surface to the first surface, thereby improving signal intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If only first through holes are formed in the substrate, then the structure is simple and substrate strength is maintained, but the movement speed of sample components from the second surface to the first surface is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the through-hole system into two types: first through holes for primary sample component transport and second through holes for detour pathways. This segmentation allows sample components to move through multiple routes, increasing overall movement speed while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a lateral dimension to sample component movement by forming second through holes that connect adjacent first through holes horizontally. This creates a three-dimensional transport network within the substrate, enabling detour paths that accelerate sample component delivery to the first surface.
2Reliability
If second through holes are formed between adjacent first through holes, then the signal intensity is improved through accelerated sample component movement, but the substrate strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by forming second through holes selectively in partition portions between adjacent first through holes, rather than uniformly throughout the substrate. This localized approach provides detour pathways exactly where needed for signal enhancement while preserving substrate strength in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes a porous substrate structure with controlled porosity, where second through holes are integrated into the porous network. This allows the substrate to maintain its mechanical integrity while providing additional transport pathways that enhance signal intensity through faster sample component delivery.
3Volume of moving object
If the substrate is made thinner to reduce device size, then the device becomes more compact, but the substrate strength and sample component transport capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention compensates for reduced substrate thickness by adding lateral transport pathways through second through holes. This creates a three-dimensional transport network that maintains efficient sample component delivery despite the thinner substrate, allowing device miniaturization without sacrificing transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the transport function into vertical pathways (first through holes) and lateral pathways (second through holes). This segmentation allows the substrate to be made thinner while maintaining transport efficiency, as the lateral pathways compensate for the reduced vertical transport distance and capability.
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 by efficiently moving and ionizing sample components, ensuring improved sensitivity in mass spectrometry through capillary action and energy transmission, while maintaining substrate strength.
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
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
Implementation Method 3
it is also possible to move the component of the sample that is moved from the second surface side towards the first surface side through the first through hole to the other first through hole adjacent to the first through hole through the second through hole
Data Source
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.