Segmented Linear Ion Trap for Tandem Mass Spectrometry Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear ion traps face challenges in efficiently performing tandem mass spectrometry and handling large dynamic ranges of mass-to-charge ratios, requiring improved methods for ion manipulation and data throughput in applications like proteomics.
Innovation Solution
A spatially partitionable linear ion trap with multiple segments allows independent manipulation and expulsion of ions, enabling simultaneous processing and optimization of ion capacity within space charge limits, facilitating rapid tandem mass spectrometry with reduced scan time and improved mass spectrum quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional three-sectioned linear ion trap is used, then the device structure is simple, but the productivity and data throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The linear ion trap is divided into multiple independently controllable segments along the axial direction. Each segment can store, manipulate, and expel ions independently, enabling parallel processing of different ion populations. This segmentation increases data throughput by allowing simultaneous tandem mass spectrometry experiments on multiple ion groups without requiring sequential operations.
2Loss of time
If ions are processed sequentially in a single trap region, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time increases due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple segments enable parallel processing of different ion populations simultaneously. Different mass-to-charge ratio ranges or ion types can be manipulated in different segments at the same time, dramatically reducing the total scan time required to analyze complex samples with large dynamic ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
While one segment is expelling ions for detection, other segments can simultaneously perform ion storage, manipulation, or preparation for the next analysis cycle. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between analysis cycles and maintains constant productive action throughout the system.
3Quantity of substance
If the ion capacity is increased to handle large dynamic range, then the quantity of substance improves, but the space charge limits are exceeded causing measurement precision degradation
Solution Approach 1:
By distributing ions across multiple spatially separated segments, each segment contains a manageable ion population that stays within space charge limits. This prevents the measurement precision degradation that would occur if all ions were concentrated in a single trap region, while still enabling the analysis of large dynamic range samples through parallel processing.
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 approach enhances the versatility and efficiency of linear ion traps, allowing for rapid tandem mass spectrometry with improved data quality and reduced scan time, especially in handling extended mass ranges, by enabling independent manipulation and detection of ion populations across multiple segments.
Implementation Method 1
A linear ion trap is provided which is spatially partitionable into at least two segments... Each segment is effectively independent has the benefit of manipulating ions stored in these segments independently
Implementation Method 2
Manipulation of the ions can be carried out simultaneously in two or more segments. Manipulation can take the form of fragmentation, isolation, or any other process that influences the behavior of ions
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for operating a linear ion trap. A linear ion trap configuration is provided that allows for increased versatility in functions compared to a conventional three-sectioned linear ion trap. In operation, the linear ion trap provides multiple segments, the segments spatially portioning an initial population of ions into at least a first and a second ion population. Each segment is effectively independent and ions corresponding to the first ion population are able to be manipulated independently from ions corresponding to ions corresponding to the second ion population; the ions having been generated by an ion source under the same conditions. The ions can then be expelled from the ion trap.