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Ion Distribution Profiling in an Ion Mobility Spectrometer by Laser-Induced Fluorescence
Kaitai Guo1, Kai Ni1, Xiangxiang Song1
1Division of Advanced Manufacturing, Graduate School at Shenzhen , Tsinghua University , Shenzhen 518055 , China.
Analytical Chemistry
|March 1, 2018
Summary
A new, low-cost fluorescence imaging technique visualizes ion distribution in drift tubes. This method aids in understanding ion motion and optimizing ion mobility spectrometers (IMS) design.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate measurement of ion distribution in drift tubes is crucial for ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) development.
- Current methods for in-situ ion distribution measurement are lacking.
- Understanding ion motion dynamics is key for IMS instrument design and optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, low-cost, and effective method for profiling two-dimensional ion distribution within a drift tube.
- To validate the proposed technique by investigating ion optics phenomena like ion shutter performance and ion focusing.
- To provide a deeper understanding of ion motion in IMS systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fluorescence imaging, analogous to particle-image velocimetry, for ion distribution mapping.
- Employed Rhodamine 6G as a fluorescent tracer and electrospray ionization (ESI) for gentle ion generation.
- Captured 2D ion distribution images using a camera and specific filters after ion accumulation on a coverslip receiving plate.
Main Results:
- Achieved a high ion detection efficiency of 156 ion/dN, comparable to IonCCD.
- Successfully visualized ion distribution patterns behind a Bradbury-Nielsen (BN) ion shutter.
- Observed and analyzed ion focusing effects within the drift tube.
- Experimental results were corroborated by theoretical analysis, confirming method feasibility.
Conclusions:
- The developed fluorescence imaging technique is a feasible and valuable tool for measuring ion distribution in drift tubes.
- This method offers significant potential for the design, debugging, and optimization of ion mobility spectrometers and hyphenated systems.
- Provides novel insights into ion transport phenomena relevant to IMS technology.
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