Laser desorption mass spectrometry: Mechanisms and applications

Abstract

A conventional time-of-flight mass spectrometer has been adapted for pulsed laser desorption. This instrumental configuration enables investigation of “time resolved” mass spectra, i.e. delayed mass analysis following the laser pulse. The energy spread of ions formed after the laser pulse is time dependent. To date this has enabled focussing of ions produced by laser desorption up to 3628 amu. Mechanisms of laser desorption and applications of this instrumental configuration are discussed.