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US 2026/0194478 A1Published application
Surface mass spectrometry device
OwnerPeter Jonathan Cumpsoninventor
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OwnerPeter Jonathan Cumpsoninventor
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The present invention introduces an innovative Surface Mass Spectrometry Device designed to enhance the interpretability of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) spectra, especially for organic compounds. This device uniquely utilizes ultraviolet light and/or ozone and/or hydrogen to chemically modify the sample surface, thereby facilitating a more accurate analysis of the chemical moieties present. The method involves comparing SIMS spectra recorded before and after exposure to these modifying agents. Additionally, the invention includes a computational element that employs algorithms like fragmentation modelling and neural network deep learning for data processing. This approach promises to significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of SIMS analysis when obtaining structure information from SIMS spectra, reducing the need for extensive expert interpretation and making the technology more accessible and cost-effective.
A process for producing secondary ion mass spectrometry spectra of a sample comprising the steps of:
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the agent configured to change the oxidation state of the sample surface is a gaseous agent.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the agent configured to change the oxidation state of the sample surface includes one or more of:
A process according to any preceding claim, including the step of controlling the degree of change of the oxidation state of said sample surface by controlling one or more of:
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of identifying materials within the sample by analysing the plurality of spectra includes performing multivariate analysis.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of identifying materials within the sample by analysing the plurality of spectra includes performing simulated molecular fragmentation and relating this fragmentation to the spectra by an artificial neural network.
A device according to 17 to 20, further comprising a hydrogen source configured to release hydrogen around the sample in the sample holder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.