Split Flow Tube Ionization for Multi-Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical techniques for detecting low-level threat agents and illicit substances, such as explosives and narcotics, are limited by sensitivity and selectivity issues, requiring multiple sampling events and instruments to identify various analytes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A split flow tube system with multiple ionization sources and reaction regions allows for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a single sampling event by isolating reactant, dopant, and analyte species into separate reaction regions, using different ionization sources concurrently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sampling events and instruments are used to detect various threat agents and illicit substances, then detection coverage is improved, but detection time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ionization sources (electron impact, chemical ionization, photoionization) and multiple reaction regions within a single mass spectrometer system, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple analyte types through one sampling event rather than requiring separate instruments and sampling events
Solution Approach 2:
The mass spectrometer is configured with multiple ionization sources and reaction regions that can detect different classes of analytes (explosives, narcotics, chemical warfare agents) using a single instrument platform, making the system universally applicable to various detection needs without requiring instrument changes
2Measurement precision
If sensitivity is increased to detect below saturation levels, then detection capability is improved, but chemical noise increases which offsets improvements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ionization and reaction process into multiple separate regions, each optimized for specific analyte types. By segmenting the detection process into distinct ionization sources and reaction zones, the system can selectively enhance sensitivity for target analytes while isolating and reducing chemical noise from non-target species
Solution Approach 2:
Each ionization source and reaction region is locally optimized for detecting specific classes of analytes. The electron impact source region is optimized for explosives, chemical ionization for narcotics, and photoionization for chemical warfare agents, allowing each region to operate at optimal sensitivity while minimizing interference from other analyte classes
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ionization sources are used to detect different analyte types, then detection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ionization sources and reaction regions are nested within a single mass spectrometer housing and shared vacuum system. The compact nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to coexist in a unified instrument platform, reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate instruments for each ionization type
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
Enhances sensitivity and selectivity, enabling the detection of multiple analytes with a single sampling event without the need for multiple sampling events or instrument changes, improving detection capabilities below ppt levels.
Implementation Method 1
a first ionization source that produces first reactant ions by ionization of a first carrier gas
Implementation Method 2
a second ionization source that produces second reactant ions by ionization of a second carrier gas
Implementation Method 3
first and second unreacted carrier gases and analyte ions formed by chemical reactions between the first and second reactant ions and analyte molecules
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a system for selectively ionizing samples that may comprise a plurality of different analytes that are not normally detectable using the same ionization technique. The disclosed system comprises a unique split flow tube that can be coupled with a plurality of ionization sources to facilitate using different ionization techniques for the same sample. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for determining the presence of analytes in a sample, wherein the number and type of detectable analytes that can be identified is increased and sensitivity and selectivity are not sacrificed.