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Measurement of Ultrafast Vibrational Coherences in Polyatomic Radical Cations with Strong-Field Adiabatic Ionization
Published on: August 6, 2018
Tunable single-photon ionization TOF mass spectrometry using laser-produced plasma as the table-top VUV light source
Tonia M Di Palma1, Maria V Prati, Antonio Borghese
1Istituto Motori-CNR, Naples, Italy. t.dipalma@im.cnr.it
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
|September 29, 2009
Summary
A new tunable vacuum UV (VUV) photoionization mass spectrometer analyzes complex gas mixtures. This soft ionization technique simplifies mass spectra, aiding in the identification of compounds like benzene derivatives in exhaust gas.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Complex gaseous mixtures, such as engine exhaust, present analytical challenges.
- Traditional mass spectrometry methods can lead to complex spectra, hindering identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a tunable vacuum UV (VUV) photoionization time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer for analyzing complex gas mixtures.
- To improve the interpretability of mass spectra through soft ionization techniques.
Main Methods:
- Generation of tunable VUV photons (100-160 nm) using a gas-target laser-produced plasma.
- Spectral dispersion and focusing of VUV radiation onto a molecular beam.
- Time-of-flight mass spectrometry with VUV photoionization.
Main Results:
- Successfully analyzed moped exhaust gas, a complex mixture.
- VUV soft ionization resulted in less congested and more interpretable mass spectra.
- Identified substituted benzene derivatives and aliphatic hydrocarbons as major components.
- Tunable VUV radiation enabled isomer analysis via photoionization efficiency spectra.
Conclusions:
- The developed VUV photoionization TOF mass spectrometer is effective for complex gas mixture analysis.
- Soft VUV ionization significantly simplifies spectral interpretation.
- Combined mass and photoionization efficiency spectra offer comprehensive analysis capabilities for complex mixtures.
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