The use of ultra-fast laser pulses to modify the Hamiltonian for molecules has enabled a series of new experiments due to the strong fields present. Examples from this laboratory include laser filamentation for remote detection, coherent control near conical intersections and new methods for nanomaterials synthesis. This contribution will focus on a new surface analysis experiment, the use of fs pulses to vaporize complex materials into the gas phase for ambient pressure mass analysis. The experiment has been performed to classify explosives, image narcotics, and analyze mouse brain. Laser vaporization has the ability to not only deliver macromolecules like proteins into the gas phase, but to preserve their tertiary structure. The talk will present an overview of the method, applications and mechanism of laser vaporization.

Laser vaporization using ultra-fast, ultra-intense laser fields: From Newton's cradle to mouse brain analysis

248th National Meeting (2014)

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