Signal Delay Device for Mass Spectrometry Data Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LA-ICP-MS and DG-ICP-MS systems experience a significant time delay between trigger pulses for analyte portion generation and detection, leading to inefficient data processing, computational burden, and reduced precision due to the need for post-processing synchronization and approximate positional information during line scans.
Innovation Solution
A signal delay device is introduced to account for the delay between analyte portion generation and detection, synchronizing data acquisition with each portion generation event, allowing for real-time data mapping and eliminating the need for post-processing steps, thereby enhancing processing speed and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data acquisition is continuously acquired without synchronization, then the measurement can be started and signals continuously recorded, but the assignment of signal peaks to corresponding laser pulses or droplet generation events requires post-processing and the two clocks will diverge causing Moiré patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by delaying the start of data acquisition by a predetermined time period (e.g., 1-10 milliseconds) after the trigger pulse, so that data acquisition begins synchronized with the arrival of analyte portions at the mass analyzer. This preliminary timing adjustment eliminates the need for post-processing synchronization and prevents Moiré patterns caused by clock divergence, while maintaining continuous measurement capability.
2Loss of information
If the sample is moved under the laser during measurement (line scan), then spatial information can be obtained, but the positional information corresponding to each laser shot is only approximate based on time after start of measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the correspondence between trigger pulse timestamps and sample positions in a lookup table before measurement begins. During measurement, the delayed data acquisition uses this pre-established mapping to accurately assign spatial information to each signal peak without requiring complex real-time calculations, thereby maintaining both line scan capability and precise positional information.
3Ease of operation
If conventional continuous data acquisition is used, then measurements can be performed without synchronization, but computational burden increases and processing speed decreases due to post-processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the correct acquisition timing offset before measurement begins, which eliminates the need for computationally intensive post-processing synchronization steps. This preliminary timing configuration maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving data processing speed by avoiding real-time peak assignment calculations and Moiré pattern correction algorithms.
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 enables precise and efficient data acquisition by synchronizing data acquisition with analyte portion generation, reducing computational load and ensuring accurate assignment of signals to corresponding events, resulting in faster and more reliable results.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma ionizer unit coupled to the transfer system for vaporizing, atomizing and ionizing received analyte portions with plasma
Implementation Method 2
a plasma ionizer unit coupled to the transfer system for vaporizing, atomizing and ionizing received analyte portions with plasma
Implementation Method 3
a plasma ionizer unit coupled to the transfer system for vaporizing, atomizing and ionizing received analyte portions with plasma
Implementation Method 4
One preferred method is laser ablation, allowing for the elemental analysis of accurately defined spatial locations. In this method, a pulsed high power laser is focused on the solid sample and creates localized analyte portions
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mass spectrometry comprises a portion generator (10) for creating localized analyte portions in synchronization with trigger pulses, a transfer system (20) coupled to the portion generator (10) for transporting the localized analyte portions, a plasma ionizer unit (30) coupled to the transfer system (20) for atomizing, vaporizing and ionizing received analyte portions with plasma, a mass analyzer (41) coupled to the plasma ionizer unit (30) for analyzing received analyte portions, the mass analyzer (41) comprising at least one detector, and a data acquisition electronics (50) connected to the at least one detector for acquiring signals (43) generated by the at least one detector. The apparatus further includes a signal delay device (60) for receiving the trigger pulses (11) and delivering delayed signals (61) corresponding to the trigger pulses to account for a delay experienced by the particles to be analyzed between portion generation and detection.