Laser desorption is used to volatilize explosive materials for analysis by ion mobility/mass spectrometry measurements. The laser desorption is performed at relatively low power (< 107 W/cm2) so that mainly neutrals are produced, which are subsequently ionized by 63Ni-β-source induced ion-molecule reactions at atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure ionization, together with the soft vaporization method, produces relatively simple spectra of the explosives investigated, yielding ions that are very characteristic of each molecule for identification. The technique has great potential for high sensitivity based upon the combination of complete laser vaporization of the sample and the API method, which is an extremely efficient form of ionization for these molecules with high electron affinities.
In this work laser Ionization at atmospheric pressure has been characterized aS an Ionization source for mass analyzed Ion mobility measurements. Laser Ionization has been explored In different atmospheric pressure gases Including N2, air, Ar, P-10, and C02 and the resulting Ion mobilities In the different gases have been compared. Further, Ionization via Nl ß source Ionization In these gases In an IMS has been studied and the results were compared to the laser Ionization.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.