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Accurately Mapping Image Charge and Calibrating Ion Velocity in Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry
Elaura L Gustafson1, Halle V Murray1, Tabitha Caldwell1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States.
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
|August 29, 2020
Summary
This study enhances charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) by accurately determining particle velocity and effective electrode length using SIMION and Shockley-Ramo theorem. This improves velocity measurement consistency for precise mass-to-charge ratio determination.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) relies on accurate measurement of ion charge and velocity.
- Existing CDMS methods face inconsistencies in particle velocity measurements and effective electrode length interpretation.
- Improvements in charge accuracy are established, but velocity measurement precision requires further development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for accurately determining effective electrode length and signal peak characteristics in CDMS.
- To address and resolve inconsistencies in particle velocity measurements within CDMS detectors.
- To validate simulation-based corrections with experimental data across various detector geometries.
Main Methods:
- Combined SIMION ion trajectory software and the Shockley-Ramo theorem for precise calculations.
- Analyzed six model charge detector geometries, including cylindrical electrodes and printed circuit boards.
- Validated simulation results through laboratory experiments, comparing calculated and measured velocities and peak characteristics.
Main Results:
- Simulations and experimental results showed strong agreement across all tested geometries.
- Velocity measurements using corrected effective electrode lengths achieved 0.25% relative standard deviation (RSD) for cylindrical electrodes.
- Peak areas demonstrated agreement within 2.3% RSD for detectors with varied electrode spacing and geometry.
Conclusions:
- The combined SIMION and Shockley-Ramo theorem approach accurately determines effective electrode length, improving velocity measurements in CDMS.
- This method enhances the reliability and precision of mass-to-charge ratio determination in CDMS.
- The findings are applicable to various CDMS detector designs, offering a pathway to more consistent and accurate measurements.
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