Laser ablation ion-storage time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A new mass spectrometer system was developed for studying laser ablation and performing analytical chemistry. The system is based on an ion trap geometry used in ion-storage (IS) mode, coupled with a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS). The LA-IS/TOF-MS can be used for MALDI or direct ionization of samples on a probe tip. The system configuration and related operating principles for accurately measuring low concentrations of isotopes will be described. Preliminary measurements identified ultra-trace contaminants of Ag, Sn, and Sb in a Pb target with single laser-shot experiments. Survey analyses of uranyl acetate, hair samples, and mushrooms demonstrated that this technology can be applied to a wide range of sample materials.