MALDI mechanisms: wavelength and matrix dependence of the coupled photophysical and chemical dynamics model

The ultraviolet wavelength and fluence dependence of MALDI ion yields using several matrices has recently been reported (Soltwisch et al., Anal. Chem., 2012, 84, 6567). These extensive data provide a test of the coupled photophysical and chemical dynamics (CPCD) model, and are used to extend the model to new matrices. The experimental phenomena are generally well reproduced by the model, particularly when transient photochemical products or exciplexes are included. While the CPCD is consistent with the data, thermal models appear to be largely incompatible with it.