TOF Mass Spectrometer Peak Width Adjustment for Waveform Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-of-flight mass spectrometers (TOF-MS) face challenges in reducing peak waveform distortion, such as leading and tailing, when adjusted based on the half width of the mass spectrum, which affects measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
An analytical device that includes a mass spectrometry unit, a peak width calculation unit, and an adjustment unit, which calculates and adjusts peak widths at different intensities to minimize waveform distortion by optimizing voltages applied to electrodes like the first acceleration electrode, flight tube, and reflectron electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the TOF-MS is adjusted based on the half width of the peak of the mass spectrum, then the peak width is minimized, but it cannot sufficiently reduce distortion of peak waveform such as leading and tailing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adjustment parameter from half width (single intensity level) to full width at multiple intensity levels (including 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% of peak intensity). By measuring peak width at multiple intensity levels and comparing the ratio of full width at 10% to full width at 50%, the system can detect and correct waveform distortion that would be invisible when using only half width measurement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple peak width measurements at different intensities are performed, then peak waveform distortion is reduced, but the adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback-based adjustment system. The control unit automatically measures peak widths at multiple intensity levels, calculates the ratio of full width at 10% to full width at 50%, compares this ratio against a predetermined threshold, and automatically adjusts the voltage of the reflectron electrode or acceleration electrode accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates manual intervention and reduces operational complexity despite the increased measurement requirements.
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 approach improves the precision of mass spectrometry by reducing peak waveform distortion, enabling more accurate measurement of m/z ratios and enhancing the reliability of statistical values.
Implementation Method 1
ions are accelerated by an electric field generated by a pulse voltage and a constant voltage
Implementation Method 2
m/z (mass-to-charge ratio) of each ion is measured based on flight time that elapses before accelerated ions are detected
Implementation Method 3
a first acceleration electrode to which a pulse voltage for accelerating the ions is applied
Implementation Method 4
a reflectron electrode to which a voltage is applied to change traveling directions of the ions accelerated
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical device includes: a mass spectrometry unit that separates ions based on flight time and detects the ions having been separated; an analysis unit that creates data corresponding to a spectrum in which an intensity of the ions having been detected and the flight time or m/z corresponding to the flight time are associated; a peak width calculation unit that calculates a first peak width at a first intensity and a second peak width at a second intensity different from the first intensity for at least one peak in the spectrum; and an adjustment unit that performs an adjustment of the mass spectrometry unit based on the first peak width and the second peak width.