Photoionization mass spectrometry with a vacuum ultraviolet hydrogen laser source

Thomas C. Huth, M. Bonner Denton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Results are presented which characterize the vacuum ultraviolet 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. Hydrogen 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)199-208
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Mass Spectrometry and Ion Processes
Volume67
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 25 1985
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Spectroscopy

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