A planar quadrupole device for transmitting and trapping ions in high vacuum

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry Instrumentation

Background:

• Hybrid mass spectrometers require precise ion control for optimal performance.
• Ion transport between mass analyzers can cause time-of-flight (TOF) mass discrimination.
• Effective ion kinetic energy management is crucial for complex sample analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel planar quadrupole (PQ) ion guide for ion transport and trapping.
• To evaluate the PQ ion guide's performance compared to conventional multipole guides.
• To assess the PQ's ability to mitigate TOF mass discrimination.

Main Methods:

• Developed a planar quadrupole (PQ) ion guide using two parallel printed circuit boards (PCBs).
• Simulated the PQ device using SIMION 8.1 software.
• Tested PQ performance using electrospray ionization and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS).

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a PQ ion guide capable of axial ion transport and trapping.
• The PQ ion guide showed comparable ion transmission efficiency to conventional multipole guides.
• The PQ effectively reduced mass discrimination caused by TOF effects.

Conclusions:

• The planar quadrupole (PQ) ion guide offers a simple yet effective solution for ion transmission and trapping.
• The PQ design is versatile and can be integrated into various mass spectrometry instruments.
• This technology enhances mass spectral performance by minimizing TOF-related discrimination.