Tandem U-Shaped Ion Mobility Spectrometer for High Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tandem ion mobility spectrometers face challenges in achieving high resolution and dynamic range for complex samples, particularly in omics studies, due to steric effects and synchronization requirements of TIMS, leading to limited ion utilization efficiency and dynamic range.
Innovation Solution
A tandem U-shaped ion mobility spectrometer with two U-shaped ion mobility analyzers in series, operating in filter modes, allows continuous ion screening and release, reducing synchronization needs and enhancing ion utilization efficiency through independent control of electric fields and gas flows, enabling high-abundance ion concentration management and low-abundance ion transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ions are accumulated in the first TIMS to achieve 100% ion utilization efficiency, then ion utilization efficiency is improved, but steric effects cause extrusion of low-abundance ions and limit the dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single TIMS accumulation function into two separate TIMS devices: TIMS1 for ion accumulation and TIMS2 for ion analysis. This segmentation allows TIMS1 to accumulate ions without steric exclusion limitations, while TIMS2 performs the actual separation and detection, thereby maintaining high ion utilization efficiency while expanding the dynamic range for complex sample analysis.
2Measurement precision
If two TIMS analyzers are coupled in series with synchronized actions, then resolution is improved, but complexity and control precision requirements of applying electric field increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements independent control of electric fields in TIMS1 and TIMS2, where each device operates autonomously without requiring precise synchronization. TIMS1 continuously accumulates ions using its own electric field control, while TIMS2 independently performs separation. This self-service approach eliminates the complex synchronization requirements while maintaining high resolution through the tandem configuration.
3Measurement precision
If DMA operates under high electric field within nonlinear mobility range, then specificity and sensitivity of IMS detection are improved, but only ions within target mobility range can be selected and other ions are completely lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous ion accumulation in TIMS1 without the pulsed operation required by DMA. Ions are continuously transferred from TIMS1 to TIMS2, ensuring that ions outside the current analysis window are not lost but remain available for future analysis. This continuous operation maintains high specificity and sensitivity while preventing ion loss, thereby improving the duty cycle.
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 solution improves ion detection sensitivity and quantitative accuracy for high-abundance ions while maintaining detection sensitivity for low-abundance ions, achieving a 100% duty ratio and reducing device complexity and size.
Implementation Method 1
Ion mobility spectrometry is a technique for separating ions according to ion mobility
Implementation Method 2
balance of a gas flow pushing force and an electric field force
Implementation Method 3
balance of a gas flow pushing force and an electric field force
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of ion mobility analysis, and specifically provides a tandem U-shaped ion mobility spectrometer and an ion mobility analysis method. The tandem U-shaped ion mobility spectrometer includes two U-shaped ion mobility analyzers coupled in series. A first U-shaped ion mobility analyzer operates in a filter mode, and a second ion inlet of a second U-shaped ion mobility analyzer is disposed corresponding to a first ion outlet. An ion dissociation device is configured to receive and dissociate ions from the first U-shaped ion mobility analyzer and release fragment ions generated by the dissociation to the second U-shaped ion mobility analyzer. The tandem U-shaped ion mobility spectrometer reduces a complexity and a precision requirement of applying an electric field, has a high resolution and a dynamic range, and is suitable for studies of complex topics such as biomics.