Orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometer and tuning method for the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
In orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometers, optimizing voltage settings for maximum measurement sensitivity does not always result in high mass-resolving power, and vice versa, leading to suboptimal performance in both sensitivity and resolving power.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of known ions, deflection of their flight path using an orthogonal acceleration electrode, acquisition of mass spectrum data under varying voltage conditions, and calculation of a score value based on intensity and mass-resolving power to determine optimal voltage settings for both sensitivity and resolving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage settings are optimized for maximum measurement sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but mass-resolving power deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying voltage settings across multiple electrodes (orthogonal acceleration electrode, flight-path-defining electrode, and other electrodes) to find optimal combinations. The tuning method changes electrical parameters (voltages) to simultaneously improve both measurement sensitivity and mass-resolving power, resolving the contradiction between these two performance metrics.
2Manufacturing precision
If voltage settings are optimized for maximum mass-resolving power, then mass-resolving power is improved, but measurement sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting voltage settings to achieve simultaneous optimization of both mass-resolving power and measurement sensitivity. The auto-tuning process systematically modifies electrical parameters to find the optimal balance point where both metrics are maximized together, rather than optimizing one at the expense of the other.
3Measurement precision
If auto-tuning is performed for each electrode independently to maximize ion intensity, then sensitivity is improved, but overall system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tuning processes of multiple electrodes into a unified auto-tuning system. Instead of independently optimizing each electrode, the invention combines the tuning of the orthogonal acceleration electrode, flight-path-defining electrode, and other electrodes into a coordinated process that optimizes overall system performance while maintaining high sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by measuring ion intensities and mass-resolving power during the tuning process, then using this information to adjust voltage settings iteratively. The system monitors performance metrics and feeds this information back to the control unit, which automatically adjusts parameters to achieve optimal overall performance.
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 allows for simultaneous achievement of high measurement sensitivity and mass-resolving power by determining voltage settings that balance both parameters effectively, ensuring optimal ion detection and separation.
Implementation Method 1
deflecting the flight direction of ions incident from the ion source by applying a voltage to an orthogonal acceleration electrode
Implementation Method 2
a cluster of ions generated in the ion source are introduced into an orthogonal accelerator, which deflects the flight direction of the ions to the orthogonal direction
Implementation Method 3
a liquid sample is electrically charged and sprayed, whereby various compounds contained in the liquid sample are ionized
Implementation Method 4
orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
An orthogonal acceleration electrode (242) deflects the flight direction of ions incident from an ion source (201). A flight-path-defining electrode (244, 246, 247) defines a flight path of the deflected ions. An ion detection section (245) detects an ion after the flight of the ion through the flight path. A voltage application section (3) applies voltages to the orthogonal acceleration electrode and flight-path-defining electrode. A measurement control section (43) acquires mass spectrum data by conducting a measurement of a known ion generated from a predetermined amount of known sample, under a plurality of measurement conditions which differ from each other in the value of the voltage applied to the orthogonal acceleration electrode. A score-value calculation section (44) calculates a score value based on a predetermined calculation formula, using the intensity of a mass peak and the mass-resolving power in the mass spectrum data acquired under each of the measurement conditions.