Universal Ion Guide for Mass Spectrometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers require multiple ion guides with different numbers of poles, leading to increased costs due to the need for distinct configurations and structures for each type, as conventional methods cannot utilize ion guides with the same mechanical configuration for varying numbers of poles.
Innovation Solution
A method to drive ion guides with the same mechanical configuration to form radio-frequency electric fields corresponding to different numbers of poles, such as quadrupole or octupole, by adjusting the electrical connections and voltage applications to the electrodes, allowing the same ion guides to function as either quadrupole or octupole types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ion guides with different numbers of poles are used to meet different mass spectrometry requirements, then ion handling properties and sensitivity are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing ion guides with the same mechanical configuration (eight rod electrodes arranged octupole-type) that can function as different pole types (quadrupole, octupole, hexapole) through software-controlled voltage application patterns. This allows a single physical structure to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate ion guides for each pole type and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile ion handling capabilities
2Measurement precision
If multiple ion guides with different numbers of poles are used to enhance mass spectrometry performance, then sensitivity and accuracy are improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by creating a universal ion guide design where eight rod electrodes can be configured to produce different multipole fields (quadrupole, octupole, hexapole) through controlled voltage application. This eliminates the need to manufacture multiple distinct ion guide assemblies, thereby reducing material costs, assembly complexity, and overall manufacturing expenses while maintaining the ability to achieve high measurement precision through software-controlled field configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the voltage application pattern and phase relationships among the eight rod electrodes to transform the same physical structure into different pole configurations. By changing electrical parameters (voltage amplitude, phase, frequency) rather than physical parameters (electrode arrangement, number of electrodes), the system achieves different field configurations cost-effectively, improving accuracy without increasing manufacturing costs
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 enables the use of common ion guides with the same electrode arrangement for different pole configurations, reducing costs and allowing for the formation of various multipole and deflection electric fields, enhancing ion handling properties and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
radio-frequency voltages having the same amplitude and the same frequency, and phases inverted from each other are respectively applied to two rod electrodes circumferentially adjacent around the ion optical axis. By applying the radio-frequency voltages as described above to the respective rod electrodes, a multipole radio-frequency electric field is formed in an approximately-cylindrical space surrounded by the rod electrodes, and ions are transported while being oscillated in the radio-frequency electric field
Implementation Method 2
The other three plate electrodes of the first electrode 111, and the four electrode plates of the second electrodes 112 adjacent thereto also have the same shape. Because of the inclination, the intensity of the multipole electric field is smaller toward the outlet side of the ion guide 110, thereby decelerating flying ions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In eight electrodes (31 to 38) arranged at an interval of a rotational angle of 45° around an ion optical axis (C), two neigboring electrodes are electrically connected together as one group, and electrodes in alternate groups are also electrically connected together. A voltage V DC +vcosÉt is applied to electrodes (31, 32, 35, and 36) in alternate groups around the optical axis C, and a voltage V DC -vcosÉt is applied to the other electrodes (33, 34, 37, and 38). Then, while an ion guide has the same electrode structure as that of an octupole-type ion guide, a radio-frequency electric field mainly having a quadrupole field component is formed, and the ion guide can be used as a quadrupole-type ion guide. Accordingly, only by changing the wiring for applying a voltage by using the electrodes having the same structure, ion guides of, for example, a quadrupole type and an octupole type, having different properties such as ion receiving properties and ion passing properties can be achieved.