Simulation of Unidirectional Ion Ejection in Miniature Four-Channel Linear Ion Trap Array

TL;DR

Researchers developed a miniaturized ion trap array that improves mass resolution and ion storage for chip-scale mass spectrometers.

Contribution

The novel M-FLITA design with unidirectional ion ejection enhances performance in miniaturized mass analyzers.

Findings

M-FLITA achieves a mass resolution of 732 with 96% unidirectional ion ejection efficiency.

The design maintains high ion storage capacity and performance under high ion flux.

Asymmetric RF voltages enable effective unidirectional ion ejection in the stretched structure.

Abstract

With the surging demand for dynamic, real-time, and rapid qualitative analysis of chemical components, chip-scale mass spectrometers have attracted widespread attention. Ion traps have become the preferred mass analyzer for chip-scale mass spectrometers due to their excellent analytical performance. However, the miniaturization of ion traps inevitably leads to a reduction in ion storage capacity, which in turn affects their sensitivity and dynamic range. In this study, a Miniature Four-Channel Linear Ion Trap Array (M-FLITA) with hyperbolic electrodes and a 1 mm field radius was established and optimized. Concurrently, unidirectional ion ejection was accomplished by the application of asymmetric RF voltages on M-FLITA. The results demonstrate that, in the stretched structure, the mass resolution is improved to 732, while the unidirectional ion ejection efficiency is maintained at 96%. M-FLITA demonstrates advantages in terms of high ion storage capacity and mass resolution under high ion flux conditions, providing an ideal solution for high-performance micro mass analyzers in chip-scale mass spectrometers.

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