Ultrasharp Mass Spectrometry Needle for Low-Voltage Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometry techniques face challenges in efficiently ionizing analytes using corona discharge, particularly due to the limitations of conventional needle tips with large radii of curvature, which require high voltages and can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A needle for mass spectrometry is designed with a tip having a radius of curvature ranging from 1 nm to 1500 nm, capable of creating an ionization region when an electrical potential is applied, manufactured through a process involving an annular ring and a salt solution, allowing for efficient ionization and analysis of analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional needle tips with large radii of curvature are used, then the ionization region can be created, but high voltages are required which lead to inefficiencies and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of needle tip geometry by reducing the radius of curvature from conventional large values to ultrasharp values (1-1500 nm). This parameter change enables corona discharge ionization at lower voltages (below 3 kV) while improving needle durability through the self-cleaning effect that prevents contaminant accumulation.
2Productivity
If conventional needle tips with large radii of curvature are used, then the ionization region can be created, but high voltages are required which lead to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of needle tip geometry by reducing the radius of curvature from conventional large values to ultrasharp values (1-1500 nm). This parameter change enables corona discharge ionization at lower voltages (below 3 kV) while improving needle durability through the self-cleaning effect that prevents contaminant accumulation.
3Reliability
If conventional needle tips with large radii of curvature are used, then the ionization region can be created, but it can lead to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasharp needle tip design creates a self-cleaning effect where the high electric field concentration at the sharp tip prevents contaminant accumulation. The needle automatically maintains its performance without external cleaning mechanisms, as the corona discharge process itself prevents buildup of residues on the tip surface.
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 new needle design enables efficient ionization with lower voltage requirements, improved spatial resolution, reduced risk of damage, and potential for portable instrumentation, while facilitating qualitative and quantitative analysis of various samples.
Implementation Method 1
A corona discharge is a release of electrical energy that occurs when the air surrounding a highly charged conductor undergoes dielectric breakdown and becomes ionized. Corona discharges may be generated to create an ionization region to ionize analytes in the gaseous phase.
Implementation Method 2
the tip provides an ionization region when the electrical potential is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A needle for mass spectrometry having a solid shaft and a first end with a tip having a radius of curvature of less than 1500 nm, wherein the tip is distal from a second end of the needle, wherein the second end is configured to accept an electrical potential, and wherein the tip provides an ionization region when the electrical potential is applied. Methods of manufacturing a needle having a radius of curvature of less than 1500 nm. Methods and systems including at least one needle of the present disclosure for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.