Segmented Quadrupole Ion Injection for Symmetric Trap Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ion injection into electrostatic traps is costly, cumbersome, inefficient, and exhibits poor capture efficiency, non-linear extraction fields, and asymmetrical extraction, with complex implementation and low ion capacity.
Innovation Solution
A quadrupole system with segmented quadrupole segments and auxiliary electrodes, where each segment is biased with RF and DC voltages to confine and eject ions, using a push-pull potential to generate Gaussian ion packets, minimizing fringing fields and simplifying electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ion injection methods are used into an electrostatic trap, then ion injection can be achieved, but the system exhibits poor capture efficiency, low ion capacity, complex structure, and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The quadrupole is divided into three distinct segments (first, second, and third segments) with the second segment serving as the trapping region. This segmentation allows independent control of injection, trapping, and ejection functions in different regions, improving ion capture efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Auxiliary electrodes are introduced as intermediary elements positioned between the quadrupole segments and lenses. These auxiliary electrodes mediate the electric field distribution to minimize fringing fields and improve ion confinement, thereby enhancing capture efficiency without significantly increasing overall system complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional ion injection methods are used, then ion injection can be achieved, but the extraction fields are highly non-linear or asymmetrical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the form of auxiliary electrodes with different configurations on opposite sides to compensate for inherent field asymmetries. This controlled asymmetry in electrode placement and biasing creates symmetrical extraction fields, improving field uniformity while managing complexity through targeted electrode design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the quadrupole structure are given different local properties: the first and third segments have auxiliary electrodes configured to minimize fringing fields, while the second segment is optimized for trapping. This local optimization of electrode configurations achieves symmetrical extraction fields without requiring complete redesign of the entire system
3Device complexity
If conventional ion injection methods are used, then ion injection can be achieved, but multiple tank circuits are required increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ion ejection function with the existing RF trapping field by using the same quadrupole structure for both trapping and ejection. The RF field is modulated to perform dual functions, eliminating the need for separate tank circuits and reducing electronic complexity while maintaining efficient ion ejection
Solution Approach 2:
The quadrupole structure and RF system are designed to perform multiple functions: ion injection, trapping, and ejection all utilize the same fundamental RF field mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each operation, simplifying the overall electronic system while preserving ion handling efficiency
4Speed
If conventional ion injection methods are used, then ion injection can be achieved, but slow rise times of extraction voltages occur
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process utilizes periodic RF field modulation at the quadrupole resonant frequency. This periodic action enables rapid voltage transitions by leveraging the natural resonance of the system, achieving fast rise times without requiring complex high-speed switching circuits
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 system achieves efficient ion capture and ejection with symmetric extraction fields, reducing instrument complexity and cost, and enhancing mass resolution and accuracy by generating Gaussian ion packets for improved mass spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
charged ions can be confined to a second quadrupole section by applying radio frequency (RF) and direct current (DC) voltages to the poles of the first, second, and third quadrupole sections and DC voltages to the auxiliary electrodes
Implementation Method 2
Charged ions may be confined to the second quadrupole section by applying radio frequency (RF) and DC voltages to the poles
Implementation Method 3
charged ions can be ejected from the quadrupole by pulsing the entrance and exit lenses and auxiliary electrodes using a second DC voltage
Implementation Method 4
Charged ions may be ejected from the quadrupole by pulsing the entrance and exit lenses and auxiliary electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for ion injection into an electrostatic trap. As non-limiting examples, various aspects of this disclosure provide a quadrupole comprising first, second, and third quadrupole segments. The second quadrupole segment may be arranged between the first and third quadrupole segments and the first quadrupole segment and the third quadrupole segment may each comprise four poles with auxiliary electrodes arranged between each pair of the four poles. The second quadrupole segment may comprise four poles and the first and third quadrupoles each may comprise four individual auxiliary electrodes, two pairs of auxiliary electrodes, two electrodes, or one pair of auxiliary electrodes. The auxiliary electrodes of the first quadrupole segment and the entrance lens may be biased at a same direct current (DC) voltage. The auxiliary electrodes of the third quadrupole segment and the exit lens may be biased at a same DC voltage.