Advances in Surface Analysis and Mass Spectrometry Using Laser Desorption Methods

Laser desorption methods have profoundly influenced surface analysis and mass spectrometry. They provide snapshots of surface processes and allow detection of minute quantities of surface adsorbates. They allow the intact vaporization of polar, nonvolatile, high molecular weight, and thermally labile compounds that would otherwise be inaccessible to gas-phase studies. This contribution presents some recent advances in the field of laser desorption from surfaces, describes the experimental realization of a two-step laser mass spectrometer, highlights new insights into the mechanism of laser-induced thermal desorption, and illustrates the practical usefulness of the methodology with selected analytical examples.