Applications of laser microprobe mass spectrometry in organic analysis

The ability to focus the laser accurately onto the sample with a small beam diameter (2.0–3.0 μm) enables laser mass spectrometry to be used as a microprobe. Results from a fully automated ion-mapping system for laser mass spectrometry are described. These results show that the spatial resolution of the laser microprobe is primarily limited by the diameter of the laser beam. Factors such as laser power density, laser focus, sample preparation, and chemical environment influence the reproducibility of laser mass spectra significantly. Calibration curves obtained in the analysis of mixtures of phenanthrolines demonstrate that laser mass spectrometry can be used to quantify organic components. Preliminary results on the detection of neutral molecules resulting from metastable decomposition in the flight tube are also presented.