Characterization of ion desorption and decay in ²⁵²Cf plasma desorption mass spectrometry /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Mudgett, Paul David
Other Authors: Garay, A. S. (degree committee member.), Russell, D. H. (degree committee member.), Vigh, G. (degree committee member.)
Format: Thesis Book
Language:English
Published: 1991.
Subjects:
Online Access:Link to OAKTrust copy
Description
Abstract:Experimental investigations were carried out concerning several aspects of [^252]Cf Plasma Desorption Mass Spectrometry (PDMS). The mass spectrometer instrumentation was examined to determine areas in which changes could be made to enhance its performance. Secondary electron focusing elements were added to the ion detector to increase its collection efficiency for divergent ions. The spectrometer was also modified in such a way to augment its flexibility for various experimental investigations. The majority of this work involved more fundamental aspects of the technique. The mechanism which accounts for desorption and ionization in PDMS has been an elusive area of much interest for nearly two decades. Along these lines, the background continuum prevalent in high mass PDMS spectra was examined to obtain clues as to the energetics of the process and the stability of molecular ions. Factors that determine and influence the initial kinetic energy and angle of emission of secondary ions were enumerated. Ion desorption in PDMS is described as multi-mechanistic and characterized to be particularly dependent on the angle of incidence of the fission fragments, and on certain target substrate properties such as surface conductivity.
Item Description:Typescript (photocopy).
Vita.
"Major subject: Chemistry."
Physical Description:xviii, 202 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references.