Dual Frequency Ion Isolation in Quadrupole Ion Traps

Tandem mass spectrometry is a valuable tool in many fields, such as biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical research. The first step of this form of spectrometry is the isolation step when ions are separated by mass-to-charge ratio. The two most common isolation techniques are radio frequency/direct current (RF/DC) isolation and stored waveform inverse Fourier transform (SWIFT); however, both methods have drawbacks. In the former, the RF and DC must be electronically coupled together, adding unnecessary difficulty to the process. In the latter, excessively complex features are needed.

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a simpler ion isolation technique. This method is based on a single dipolar waveform with two frequency components. One frequency is chosen to eject ions lower in mass than the target ion, and the other frequency ejects ions higher in mass than the target ion. The dual frequency waveform isolates the targeted ion.

Advantages:

-Simple design

-Easy to implement

Potential Applications:

-Mass spectrometry

-Biological research

-Chemical research

-Pharmaceutical research

-Chemical analysis

TRL: 3

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Ion isolation technique, mass spectrometry, dual frequency waveform, dipolar waveform, tandem mass spectrometry, RF/DC isolation, SWIFT, chemical analysis, biological research, pharmaceutical research, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, Ion Trap, Mass Spectrometry