A novel experimental system of high stability and lifetime for the laser-desorption of biomolecules
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
Published on: January 9, 2014
Mehran Taherkhani1, Mikko Riese, Mohammed BenYezzar
1The Photon Science Institute, The University of Manchester, Alan Turing Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
A novel laser desorption system, with improved signal stability and extraordinary long lifetime, is presented for the study of jet-cooled biomolecules in the gas phase using vibrationally resolved photoionization spectroscopy. As a test substance tryptophane is used to characterize this desorption source. A usable lifetime of above 1 month (for a laser desorption repetition rate of 20 Hz) has been observed by optimizing the pellets (graphite/tryptophane, 3 mm diameter and 6 mm length) from which the substance is laser-desorbed. Additionally, the stability and signal-to-noise ratio has been improved by averaging the signal over the entire sample pellet by synchronizing the data acquisition with the rotation of the sample rod. The results demonstrate how a combination of the above helps to produce stable and conclusive spectra of tryptophane using one-color and two-color resonant two-photon ionization studies.
More Related Videos
10:17Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A New Approach for Nanoparticle's Mapping and Quantification in Organ Tissue
Published on: June 18, 2014
09:31Measurement of Tension Release During Laser Induced Axon Lesion to Evaluate Axonal Adhesion to the Substrate at Piconewton and Millisecond Resolution
Published on: May 27, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry