A Direct‑Current Approach to Kinetic‑Energy‑Driven Ion Filtering
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Chemistry
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Caleb Morris, PhD.
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Miniaturized mass spectrometers offer significant potential across fields such as forensic analysis, planetary exploration, and point‑of‑care diagnostics. Their ability to perform rapid, on‑site measurements eliminates the delays associated with conventional laboratory workflows. Despite this promise, shrinking these instruments introduces substantial constraints, including limits on size, mass, and available power. Most compact systems rely on ion traps or quadrupole analyzers to navigate these challenges, yet they still require complex high‑frequency AC electronics to operate.
In this work, we propose an alternative architecture that operates entirely on direct current. A DC‑based approach enables the use of simple battery power without the need for high‑frequency converters, reducing both power loss and electronic complexity. The design employs DC power supplies and switching elements to generate a region where ions acquire kinetic energy according to their mass‑to‑charge ratio. An electrostatic lens positioned downstream then selects ions based on that kinetic energy, providing mass analysis capability.
We use SIMION simulations to evaluate the feasibility of this concept for miniature mass spectrometry, including electrode geometries and operating potentials. The achievable mass resolution depends on two key factors: the uniformity of the imparted kinetic energy across the targeted mass range and the energy‑selectivity of the electrostatic lens. Our study examines both effects to assess the theoretical resolving power of this DC‑driven design.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
A Direct‑Current Approach to Kinetic‑Energy‑Driven Ion Filtering
Miniaturized mass spectrometers offer significant potential across fields such as forensic analysis, planetary exploration, and point‑of‑care diagnostics. Their ability to perform rapid, on‑site measurements eliminates the delays associated with conventional laboratory workflows. Despite this promise, shrinking these instruments introduces substantial constraints, including limits on size, mass, and available power. Most compact systems rely on ion traps or quadrupole analyzers to navigate these challenges, yet they still require complex high‑frequency AC electronics to operate.
In this work, we propose an alternative architecture that operates entirely on direct current. A DC‑based approach enables the use of simple battery power without the need for high‑frequency converters, reducing both power loss and electronic complexity. The design employs DC power supplies and switching elements to generate a region where ions acquire kinetic energy according to their mass‑to‑charge ratio. An electrostatic lens positioned downstream then selects ions based on that kinetic energy, providing mass analysis capability.
We use SIMION simulations to evaluate the feasibility of this concept for miniature mass spectrometry, including electrode geometries and operating potentials. The achievable mass resolution depends on two key factors: the uniformity of the imparted kinetic energy across the targeted mass range and the energy‑selectivity of the electrostatic lens. Our study examines both effects to assess the theoretical resolving power of this DC‑driven design.