SAM-SFM: High-Efficiency and High-Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry Enabled by Sinusoidal Amplitude Modulation of Multiple Sinusoidal Frequency-Modulated Waveforms

In miniature ion trap mass spectrometry, achieving a balance between isolation resolution and efficiency is a formidable challenge. The presence of absorption curves causes target ions to inadvertently absorb energy from AC signal components near their resonant frequencies. To mitigate this issue, SAM-SFM waveforms introduce a parameter known as the decreasing factor. Unlike SWIFT waveforms, SAM-SFM’s spectral profile intentionally departs from a rectangular window, adopting an arch-shaped excitation window to minimize the impact on target ions and improve ion isolation efficiency. SAM-SFM waveforms have the advantage of low computational complexity, enabling real-time computation using an embedded FPGA technology. Regardless of any parameter changes, the FPGA can consistently guarantee waveform output within 1 μs. This not only enhances throughput but also eliminates the need for a PC in miniature mass spectrometry devices. The performance of SAM-SFM has been validated on an improved “Brick” miniature ion trap mass spectrometer. Comparative experiments with SWIFT waveforms confirm the lossless unit-mass isolation capabilities of SAM-SFM. This waveform has the capability to simultaneously isolate multiple target ions, even allowing for the lossless isolation of ions with lower abundance within isotopic clusters, albeit at the cost of requiring extended isolation durations.