Laser-enhanced ionization: recent developments

Abstract

Initially developed for the analysis of simple aqueous solutions, laser-enhanced ionization (LEI) is a very sensitive trace analysis technique which is based on the spectrally selective laser excitation of analyte atoms followed by their collisional ionization and detection in a suitable atom reservoir. Its unique versatility, granted by a rich choice of excitation wavelengths, and its high efficiency of charge creation and collection make LEI one of the most sensitive techniques for elemental analysis. Despite these attractive features, LEI has not been widely used for the chemical analysis of liquid and solid samples having more complex matrices. This article describes the current limitations of LEI and recent achievements in the ongoing development of this promising technique.