Restricted Energy Transfer in Laser Desorption of High Molecular Weight Biomolecules

Authors

Akos Vertes, University of Antwerp, BelgiumFollow
Renaat Gijbels, University of Antwerp, Belgium

Abstract

Producing ions from large molecules is of distinguished importance in mass spectrometry. In our present study we survey different laser desorption methods in view of their virtues and drawbacks in volatilization and ion generation. Laser induced thermal desorption and matrix assisted laser desorption are assessed with special emphasis to the recent breakthrough in the field (m/z > 100,000 ions produced by matrix assisted laser desorption). Efforts to understand and describe laser desorption and ionization are also reported. We emphasize the role of restricted energy transfer pathways as a possible explanation to the volatilization of non-degraded large molecules.

Recommended Citation

Vertes, Akos and Gijbels, Renaat (1991) "Restricted Energy Transfer in Laser Desorption of High Molecular Weight Biomolecules," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 5: No. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol5/iss2/3