Efficient Coupling of Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations with Ion Trap Mass Analyzers Using Phase Modulation.

Phased structures for lossless ion manipulation offer significant improvements over the scanning second gate method for coupling with ion trap mass analyzers. With an experimental run time of under 1 min for select conditions and an average run time of less than 4 min, this approach significantly reduces experimental time while enhancing the temporal duty cycle. The outlined SLIM system connects to an ion trap mass analyzer via a PCB stacked ring ion guide, which replaces the commercial ion optics and capillary inlet. By applying a discrete and repeating injection pulse and solving a series of algebraic equations, the system reconstructs an arrival time distribution with a minimal degree of error with enhanced ion throughput. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, the 3.4-m SLIM system resolves gas-phase conformers for various small peptides and proteins. This system and methodology also enable direct implementation between SLIM and ion trap mass analyzers traditionally interfaced with front separation systems such as liquid chromatography.