Reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer for laser photodissociation

We describe a new reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer configuration for laser photodissociation of mass-selected ions and the initial performance characteristics observed for this instrument. Ions are produced by laser photoionization within the acceleration region of the instrument or by laser vaporization in an external pulsed-nozzle cluster ion source. Mass selection is accomplished with pulsed deflection plates at the end of an initial drift section. Laser photodissociation of selected ions takes place at the turning point in the ion trajectory in the reflectron. The transit time through a second drift section defines the fragment ion masses. Optimized operating conditions and the role of mass discrimination in this instrument are discussed.