The resonance laser ablation Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (RLA-FTICRMS) a new coupling for material science

Abstract

The development of a new device, which associated resonant ionization and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry by coupling a tunable laser with the laser microprobe Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICRMS) developed at the University of Metz, allowed us to carry out the first resonance laser ablation Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (RLA-FTICRMS) experiments. RLA-FTICRM ensures, due to the involved processes, an increase in the selectivity and sensitivity of the ionization and a high mass resolution by the use of a FTICR mass spectrometer. These potentialities lead us to consider this new technique as a tool of choice for the analysis of inorganic traces by resonant laser ablation/ionization mass spectrometry (RLA-MS). The first experiments reported in this study ensures a 2–7 benefit in selectivity, according to the studied matrix and a limit of detection lower than 1 ppm for chromium. Finally, the influence of the power density on the involved processes was highlighted and allowed us to determine that the resonant processes are most effective for power density lower than 5×10 8 W/cm 2.