Multi-color resonance ionization of laser ablated gadolinium at high laser power

• Published in: Optics communications Vol. 256; no. 4-6; pp. 364 - 372
• Main Authors: Maul, J., Eberhardt, K., Huber, G., Karpuk, S., Passler, G., Roca-Saiz, M.C., Strachnov, I., Trautmann, N., Wendt, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15-12-2005; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Atomic and molecular physics; Atomic properties and interactions with photons; Exact sciences and technology; Laser ablation; Laser-plasma interactions; MALDI-TOF; Photoionization of atoms and ions; Photon interactions with atoms; Physics; Physics of gases, plasmas and electric discharges; Physics of plasmas and electric discharges; Resonance ionization spectroscopy; Laser ablation; MALDI-TOF; 52.38.Mf; 82.80.−d; Resonance ionization spectroscopy; Laser-produced plasma; Measuring methods; Radioisotopes; Gadolinium; Experimental device; Experimental study; Plumes; Temperature measurement; Photoionization; Trace elements; Laser ablation technique; 82.80.-d Laser ablation; Multiphoton ionization; Resonance ionization mass spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0030-4018; 1873-0310
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optcom.2005.06.088

Spectroscopic and analytical properties of a trace analytical method using multi-step resonance ionization at high laser intensities (>kW/cm2) have been investigated with gadolinium as a test element. Strongly saturated transitions are observed, which have been used for a temperature determination of the atoms in the laser ablated plume. Regimes of multi-step resonance ionization and multiphoton ionization could be distinguished. Analytical performances due to resonance enhancement and resulting discrimination against non-resonant background, precision in isotope ratio determination and overall detection efficiency are discussed.