Sample Support Body With Through-Holes for Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mass spectrometry face challenges in maintaining ionization efficiency due to sample overflow from measurement recesses, leading to reduced signal intensity and incomplete detection of sample components.
Innovation Solution
A sample support body with a substrate and an ionization substrate separated by a support, featuring through-holes on both surfaces to manage excess sample and prevent overflow, allowing continuous measurement while maintaining ionization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sample is dropped on measurement recesses from above for continuous measurement, then continuous measurement is feasible, but sample may overflow out of the recesses causing unevenness effect loss and reduced ionization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by forming through-holes that extend from the first surface to the second surface of the ionization substrate. This allows excess sample to be discharged vertically downward through the through-holes, preventing horizontal overflow that would cause unevenness. The through-holes create a three-dimensional sample management system that maintains measurement reliability while enabling continuous measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the excess sample from the measurement region by providing through-holes that lead to a discharge space below the ionization substrate. This removes the harmful effect of sample accumulation and overflow, allowing continuous measurement without compromising ionization efficiency. The excess sample is taken out of the measurement recesses and directed to a dedicated discharge area.
2Reliability
If through-holes are formed in ionization substrate to manage excess sample, then sample overflow is prevented, but ionization efficiency may be reduced due to sample loss through holes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing conductive layers at specific locations (peripheral edges of through-holes and on the discharge space) to control sample flow and evaporation. The conductive layers are strategically placed to manage excess sample locally without affecting the overall ionization process. This localized control prevents sample loss while maintaining ionization efficiency in the measurement regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the sample by using conductive layers to control evaporation and flow. The conductive layers modify local temperature and surface properties, enabling precise control over sample behavior in the through-holes and discharge space. This parameter control ensures excess sample is managed without significant loss to the measurement process.
3Productivity
If multiple measurement regions are provided on ionization substrate, then continuous measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the ionization substrate into multiple measurement regions, each with its own through-holes and discharge pathways. This segmentation allows independent measurement at multiple locations, enabling continuous measurement without requiring complex external systems. The segmented structure simplifies the overall device by distributing measurement functions across multiple simple, identical units on the substrate.
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 solution enables continuous measurement of samples with enhanced ionization efficiency by managing excess sample through the through-holes, preventing overflow and ensuring proper ionization, thereby improving signal intensity and detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive layer is provided on peripheral edges of the through-holes at least on the second surface
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of through-holes that open in the first surface and the second surface are formed at least in the measurement regions of the ionization substrate
Implementation Method 3
ionization efficiency when components of the sample are ionized by applying a laser beam to the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sample support body that includes a substrate, an ionization substrate, and a support. The ionization substrate has a plurality of measurement regions for dropping a sample on a second surface. A plurality of through-holes that open in a first surface and the second surface are formed at least in the measurement regions of the ionization substrate. A conductive layer is provided on peripheral edges of the through-holes at least on the second surface. The support has a first support provided on peripheral edges of the measurement regions on the first surface to separate the plurality of measurement regions when viewed in the direction in which the substrate and the ionization substrate face each other.