Mass Spectrometer Vacuum Interface Pressure Control for Ion Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ICP-MS instruments face challenges in optimizing instrument sensitivity due to variations in interface pressure caused by changes in plasma conditions, leading to suboptimal ion transfer and detection sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a controller to automatically regulate the throughput of the vacuum pump to maintain optimal interface pressure, adjusting based on plasma conditions and elements of interest, ensuring efficient ion transfer and detection sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the interface pressure is maintained at a fixed value, then the vacuum system is simple to operate, but the detection sensitivity deteriorates when plasma conditions vary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidmanual adjustment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the interface pressure adaptive rather than fixed. The vacuum pump throughput is dynamically adjusted based on real-time plasma conditions (power, gas flow, temperature) to maintain optimal detection sensitivity. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to automatically adapt to varying plasma conditions without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control where the interface pressure is continuously monitored and adjusted based on plasma condition parameters. The system uses feedback from plasma power, gas flow rate, and temperature measurements to automatically regulate the vacuum pump throughput, thereby maintaining optimal detection sensitivity without manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the vacuum pump throughput is increased to maintain optimal interface pressure, then the ion transfer efficiency improves, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion transfer efficiencyVSAvoidvacuum pump energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum pump throughput is made dynamic rather than constant. The system adjusts the pump speed according to actual plasma conditions and ion transfer requirements, increasing throughput only when needed to maintain optimal interface pressure. This resolves the contradiction by avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining high ion transfer efficiency during critical measurement periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the vacuum pump based on plasma conditions. By adjusting the pump throughput parameter in response to variations in plasma power, gas flow, and temperature, the system optimizes the balance between ion transfer efficiency and energy consumption, using higher throughput only when plasma conditions require it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of interface pressure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different plasma conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to plasma conditionsVSAvoidautomatic control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the vacuum interface system multi-functional by integrating plasma condition monitoring, automatic pressure regulation, and ion transfer optimization into a single unified system. The interface automatically adapts to different plasma conditions (power, gas flow, temperature) without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby enhancing adaptability while keeping the overall device architecture relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically regulating its own interface pressure based on plasma conditions without external intervention. The vacuum pump and control system work autonomously to maintain optimal operating parameters, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and providing adaptability to varying plasma conditions through self-regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances detection sensitivity by maintaining optimal interface pressure across varying experimental conditions, improving ion transfer efficiency and reducing the influence of plasma variations.

Implementation Method 1

the expansion chamber is pumped by an interface vacuum pump to provide an interface pressure in the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum pumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS12441611B2Method and apparatus for operating a vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 THERMO FISHER SCI BREMEN

AI summary

A method is disclosed for operating a mass spectrometer vacuum interface, the vacuum interface comprising an evacuated expansion chamber downstream of a plasma ion source wherein the expansion chamber is pumped by an interface vacuum pump to provide an interface pressure in the chamber; the method comprising using a controller to automatically, or according to user input, control the throughput of the interface vacuum pump to control the interface pressure dependent on one or more operating modes of the spectrometer.