Laser ablation mass spectrometry, identified as a key technology for the DOEs Nuclear and Radiological National Security Program, has, since the mid-1980s, been gaining increased viability as a truly quantitative analytical technique. Over this same period of time, greater insights have been gained into the mechanisms associated with laser-material interations, particularly with respect to how these interactions affect the accuracy and precision of in situ elemental analysis. The general concesus is that short pulse width (< 0.5ps), UV (<300nm) lasers have the physical charactistics necessary to achieve program goals. Unfortunately, current femtosecond laser systems (< 1ps pulse width) are expensive (> $ 300k), large, and require highly skilled operators. This project will design and build a fit-for-purpose femtosecond laser for mass spectrometry, in which the performance specifications of three components (stretcher, amplifer, and compressor) can be relaxed, leading to a more cost effective and compact design. Phase I will design, build, and demonstrate a femto-second laser that yields 2µJ of UV wavelength output (<300nm) operating at 1000Hz when focused to a spot size of 5µM using a non-conventional design.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The femtosecond laser ablation system enables the in situ solid sampling of materials (including metals, glasses, ceramics, polymers, biological, and pharmaceutical). Applications are expected to include analytical biochemistry, geochronology, ceramics, electronic materials, environmental, and industrial and nuclear chemistry
