A simple numerical simulation model can elucidate the key factors for designing a miniaturized ion trap mass spectrometer

Background Miniature ion trap mass spectrometer enables mass-to-charge ratio analysis of ions via quadrupole field in a low vacuum environment. It plays an important role in on-site detection due to its portability and specificity. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the analysis mechanism of miniature ion trap mass spectrometers, a quadrupole MS ion trajectory numerical simulation model (QITNS) is established in this paper for ions trajectory calculation under the action of quadrupole field, exciting field and neutral gas molecule collision. Compared with the existing methods, the model in this paper is simpler and more direct, which effectively explored the effects of dipole excitation and quadrupole excitation on ion manipulation under high background pressure. Results The simulation results demonstrate that high RF amplitude, low auxiliary AC amplitude and quadrupole excitation can effectively improve the isolation resolution. Besides, it clarified the difference between the analysis mechanism of ion trap mass spectrometers under high background pressure (above 13.332 Pa) and absolute vacuum conditions. The relevant results are consistent with the conclusions of previous experiments and other theories, proving the applicability and accuracy of the proposed calculation model and solution method. Significance This research bears the guiding significance for further understanding the mechanism of quadrupole mass spectrometry as well as designing and developing miniature mass spectrometers.