Variable-Curvature Ion Guide for High-Velocity Ion Confinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional curved ion guides face challenges in confining high-velocity ions, leading to signal intensity reduction due to ion loss, and are often cumbersome and expensive, particularly when using solid rods for circular ion beam paths.
Innovation Solution
A curved ion guide with a varying radius of curvature, utilizing coils or springs to form a noncircular ion beam path, where the initial curvature is less than the final curvature, and incorporating a gas in the beam path to gradually decrease ion velocity, along with a radial DC electric field and RF voltage to guide ions effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a curved ion guide is used to provide ion optics with longer length and more compact footprint, then the ion guide can guide ions from source to destination, but high-velocity ions cannot be confined effectively leading to signal intensity reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The ion guide employs dynamic control of electric fields through multiple electrode segments that can be independently voltage-controlled. This allows the electric field configuration to be adjusted along the curved path, creating varying degrees of ion confinement at different positions. The dynamic field adjustment enables effective confinement of high-velocity ions while maintaining efficient ion transmission through the curved guide.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the curved ion guide have different electric field strengths and configurations. The electrode segments are positioned and voltage-controlled to create stronger confining fields where needed along the curved path. This local variation in field quality allows tailored ion confinement at different positions, addressing the specific challenge of confining high-velocity ions in certain regions while maintaining overall transmission efficiency.
2Reliability
If solid rods are used to provide circular ion beam paths, then ion guiding is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The curved ion guide is divided into multiple discrete electrode segments rather than using solid continuous rods. Each electrode segment can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing the guide to achieve the necessary ion guiding capability while reducing material usage and structural complexity. The segmented design enables flexibility in configuring the electric field without requiring cumbersome solid rod structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion guide employs a curved geometric configuration with varying radius of curvature along its length. This curved design provides ion optics with a longer effective length while maintaining a compact footprint. The curvature is optimized to guide ions effectively without requiring the cumbersome solid rod structures traditionally used for circular ion beam paths.
3Ease of manufacture
If the radius of curvature is constant along the ion guide, then the structure is simple, but high-velocity ions experience excessive curvature leading to ion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The radius of curvature of the ion guide varies along its length rather than remaining constant. The radius is larger at the entrance region where high-velocity ions enter, allowing them to navigate the curve more easily and reducing ion loss. The radius decreases progressively along the guide path as ions are decelerated by the electric field, providing tighter confinement where needed. This gradual parameter change optimizes both ion transmission and confinement without requiring overly complex structures.
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 solution effectively reduces ion loss by allowing high-velocity ions to enter a more gradual curve, enabling more ions to be guided through a highly curved path without substantial loss, while being cost-effective and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
an ion deflecting device configured to apply a radial DC electric field across the ion guide region and along the curved central axis
Implementation Method 2
generating a radial DC electric field across the ion guide region and along the radius of curvature to provide an ion deflecting force
Implementation Method 3
generating an RF electric field across the ion guide region to focus the ion generally along the curved central axis
Data Source
AI summary
An ion guide includes a plurality of curved electrodes arranged along a curved central axis. The plurality of electrodes define a curved ion guide region, with the curved ion guide region beginning at an ion entrance and ending at an ion exit. The ion guide includes an ion deflecting device configured to apply a radial DC electric field across the ion guide region and along the curved central axis. The ion guide region has a radius of curvature that varies along the curved central axis, and the radius of curvature is at a maximum at the ion entrance and decreases along the curved central axis toward the ion exit.