Selectable-Path Electrostatic Linear Ion Trap for m/z and Resolution Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrostatic linear ion traps (ELITs) face a dichotomy between mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) range and resolution, where a longer trap is beneficial for a wide m/z range but results in lower resolution, and a shorter trap provides higher resolution but limits the m/z range, necessitating physical replacement or parallel setups with associated drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
An ELIT with a selectable ion path length is achieved by using additional axial electrode plates and switches to apply voltages, allowing ions to be trapped along different path lengths within the same device, enabling both wide m/z range analysis with low resolution and narrower m/z range analysis with higher resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a longer ELIT is used, then the m/z range is wider, but the resolution is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple groups (first group, second group, third group) that can be independently controlled. By selectively activating different groups, the trap can be divided into different functional sections, enabling the same physical structure to operate in different modes (wide range vs. high resolution) without requiring multiple complete traps.
Solution Approach 2:
The ELIT employs dynamic voltage control where potentials are applied selectively to different electrode groups based on the desired analysis mode. The trap length and electrode potentials are dynamically adjusted during operation, allowing the system to transition between wide m/z range analysis and high resolution analysis by changing which electrode groups are active and their corresponding voltages.
2Measurement precision
If a shorter ELIT is used, then the resolution is higher, but the m/z range is narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The ELIT is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions through a single device. By incorporating additional electrode groups that can be independently controlled, the same trap structure serves both as a wide-range analyzer and a high-resolution analyzer, eliminating the need for separate specialized traps for different analysis requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (electrode potentials and active trap length) to achieve different performance characteristics. By adjusting which electrode groups are active and their voltage settings, the same physical trap can be tuned for either wide m/z range coverage or high resolution, depending on the analytical needs.
3Measurement precision
If physical replacement or parallel setups are used, then the m/z range and resolution requirements are met, but the device complexity and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional capabilities (wide range analysis and high resolution analysis) are merged into a single ELIT structure. Instead of requiring separate traps or parallel systems, the invention combines multiple electrode groups within one trap that can be independently controlled, reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for physical replacement or parallel setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic switching between different electrode configurations to provide multiple analysis modes within a single device. This dynamic control allows the trap to adapt its effective length and electrode potentials in real-time, eliminating the need for static multiple traps or complex parallel systems.
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 solution allows for a single ELIT to dynamically adjust its ion path length, enhancing analytical capabilities without the need for physical trap replacement or multiple parallel systems, reducing downtime and ion loss while maintaining high resolution for specific analyses.
Implementation Method 1
A first group of plates of the first set of plates and the second set of plates is positioned along the central axis to trap ions within a first path length of the central axis. A second group of plates of the first set of plates and the second set of plates is positioned along the central axis to trap ions within a second path length of the central axis that is shorter than the first path length.
Implementation Method 2
Electric current induced by oscillating ions in the trap is detected. The measured frequency of oscillation of the ions is used to calculate the m/z of the ions.
Data Source
AI summary
An ELIT includes voltage sources (1101), switches (1102), a first set of electrode plates (1110) aligned along a central axis, and a second set of electrode plates (1120) aligned along the central axis with the first set. A first group of plates (310, 320; 810, 820) of the first set and the second set is positioned to trap ions within a first path length (340, 940). A second group of plates (410, 420) of the first set and the second set is positioned to trap ions within a shorter second path length (440, 1040). The switches select the first path length by applying voltages from the voltage sources to the first set and the second set that cause the first group of plates to trap ions within the first path length. Alternatively, the switches can select the second path length by applying voltages that cause the second group of plates to trap ions within the second path length.