Toroidal Ion Trap Non-Mass Selective Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion traps, such as toroidal ion traps, face limitations in trapping capacity due to space charge effects and are unable to simultaneously eject a large ion population with varying mass-to-charge ratios, complicating downstream processing and utilization of the trapping volume.
Innovation Solution
A toroidal ion trap design that non-mass selectively ejects ions by removing or lowering the DC potential well and applying a DC extraction field, allowing ions of different mass-to-charge ratios to be ejected simultaneously and radially inward, thereby fully utilizing the trapping volume and enabling efficient transfer to downstream devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass selective ejection is used in toroidal ion trap, then ions of specific mass to charge ratio can be ejected, but the device is unable to simultaneously eject a large ion population with range of mass to charge ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic RF excitation to the toroidal ion trap to rhythmically modulate the trapping potential, enabling sequential ejection of ions across different mass-to-charge ratios. This periodic modulation allows the system to cycle through different resonance conditions, systematically extracting large ion populations without requiring simultaneous mass-specific ejection for each ion group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the RF excitation frequency and amplitude parameters to match the cyclotron frequencies of different ion species. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can selectively resonate with and eject ions of specific mass-to-charge ratios while maintaining the ability to handle large ion populations through cumulative extraction over multiple excitation cycles.
2Reliability
If RF voltages are applied to form toroidal trapping region and ejection field, then trapping is achieved, but the device becomes complicated by using RF voltages for both purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RF voltage control into distinct functional modules: one module generates the toroidal trapping RF field, while another module provides the ejection RF excitation. This segmentation allows independent optimization and control of trapping and ejection functions, reducing the complexity of managing dual-purpose RF voltages while maintaining trapping stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary RF matching network that couples the RF source to the toroidal trap electrodes. This intermediary component acts as a mediator that can independently adjust the parameters for trapping and ejection fields, simplifying the overall control architecture by providing a dedicated interface between the RF source and the dual-function electrode system.
3Reliability
If C-trap is used for ion storage, then ions can be trapped, but the trapping capacity is limited due to space charge effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the linear C-trap geometry to a toroidal (circular) geometry, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the ion trapping configuration. This toroidal shape provides a larger three-dimensional trapping volume compared to the linear C-trap, allowing ions to be distributed more evenly in space and reducing space charge effects while maintaining reliable ion trapping capability.
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 design allows for the simultaneous ejection of a large ion population with varying mass-to-charge ratios, enhancing the trapping capacity and facilitating the transfer of ions to downstream analyzers like mass or ion mobility spectrometers, improving the efficiency of ion processing and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an upper planar electrode plate and a corresponding lower planar electrode plate... an RF confining field which confines ions in an axial direction between the two electrode plates
Implementation Method 2
a DC confining field which confines ions in a radial direction
Implementation Method 3
applying an extraction field so as to extract the ions from the toroidal trapping volume... applying electrical potentials to a plurality of electrodes that drive the ions out of the ion confining volume
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An ion trap is disclosed comprising: a plurality of electrodes (4) which define a toroidal or annular ion confining volume that extends around a central axis; a first device arranged and adapted to apply one or more DC voltages to said plurality of electrodes (4) in order to generate a DC potential well which acts to confine ions in a radial direction within said toroidal or annular ion confining volume, wherein said radial direction is substantially perpendicular to said central axis; and a control system arranged and adapted to non-mass selectively eject ions from said toroidal or annular ion confining volume. The ion trap enables a large number of ions to be trapped and ejected simultaneously.