High field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) methods and devices with voltage-gas composition linked scans

摘要

Improved methods and devices for analysis of gas phase ions via ion mobility type analyzers, particularly high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility analyzers (FAIMS), by linking gas composition and/or flow rate with the scanning of compensation voltage or asymmetric waveform amplitude are provided. Linking these parameters results in improvements in resolution, sensitivity, and selectivity. The methods and devices according to the presently disclosed subject matter provide for the improvement in resolution for specific ions without affecting the entire FAIMS spectrum.

主权项

1. A method of separating ions in a sample using a high field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) device, comprising:
(a) providing a FAIMS device; (b) supplying an operating gas to the FAIMS device, wherein a composition of the operating gas comprises a blend of at least two gases; (c) applying a mixture of operating voltages to the FAIMS device to establish a separation field; (d) applying a sample to be analyzed to the FAIMS device; (e) coordinating control of the composition of the operating gas with the application of the mixture of operating voltages, whereby a change in a voltage applied to the FAIMS device results in a change in the composition of the operating gas, wherein the composition of the operating gas is scanned during the coordinated control of the composition of the operating gas and the application of the mixture of operating voltages; (f) separating one or more ions in the sample; and (g) simultaneously scanning the operating voltages and gas composition so as to filter components of the sample and successively transmit them through the FAIMS device, wherein the simultaneous scanning of the operating voltages and gas composition occur during the coordinated control of the composition of the operating gas and the application of the mixture of operating voltages.