Photoionization Mass Spectrometry with VUV Hydrogen Laser Source.

Abstract

Results are presented which characterize the VUV H2 laser as a selective ion source for analytical mass spectrometry of easily ionized compounds. The types of compounds ionized below the photon energy of 7.8 eV include many pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, heroin, phencyclidine, methamphetamine, and LSD. H2 laser photoionization has produced parent ions only, for all compounds studied thus far. The selectivity of the threshold photoionization process is very high, as compounds within as little as 0.2 eV above the threshold are completely rejected. Photoactive species can be injected as solutions in appropriate organic solvents, without interference from the solvent. At low levels, ion signals are observed, which are due to acceleration of stray electrons in the ion source. The electrons result from interaction of scattered laser radiation with metal surfaces. Additional keywords: Chemical analysis; Optical properties; Naval research. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 21, 1985
Accession Number
ADA153362

Entities

People

  • M. Bonner Denton
  • T. C. Huth

Organizations

  • University of Arizona

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Analysis
  • Drug Abuse
  • Electrons
  • Ion Sources
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Ions
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Military Research
  • Optical Properties
  • Organic Solvents
  • Photoionization
  • Radiation
  • Solvents
  • Spectrometry

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics