Next Generation, Rugged, Low-Cost UV Femtosecond Laser Ablation System for Microanalysis

Laser ablation mass spectrometry, identified as a key technology for the DOE¿s 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 (> $ 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 designed, built, and demonstrated a femtosecond laser that yielded 2 µJ at a UV wavelength (<300nm), when operating at 1000Hz and focused to a spot size of 5µm. In Phase II, the laser will be used to develop a more compact, rugged, and cost-effective laser ablation system for mass spectrometry. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Femtosecond laser ablation should satisfy the scientific community¿s need for a highly sensitive microprobe technique that will enable in situ solid sampling of all materials (metals, glasses, ceramics, polymers, biological, and pharmaceutical) at the micron scale. Areas of application include: analytical biochemistry, geochronology, ceramics, electronic materials, and nuclear chemistry.