Surface neutralization/surface reionization (Ping–Pong) mass spectrometry

Experiments are reported that utilize surface neutralization of hyperthermal organic ions to obtain hyperthermal neutral species that are reionized on oxygen-activated rhenium surface and detected by mass spectrometry. A special Ping–Pong mass spectrometer was designed and coupled to a double-focusing mass spectrometer to allow energy and angle-resolved measurements. Neutralization of pyridine and benzene ions on gold, copper, and aluminum surfaces generated substantial ion currents into the collecting plate. The ion currents obtained on gold surfaces were found to depend on the recombination energy of the ion projectile. Hyperthermal neutrals coming off the first surface were found to mainly originate from hydrocarbon adsorbates.