title: Use of two-photon excitation in resonance ionization mass spectrometry.
abstract: We report the detection of a series of elements via 2 + 1 (photons to resonance + photons to ionize) resonance ionization mass spectrometry. The efficiency of this process is demonstrated, as the two-photon step can often be saturated. Examples are given where experimental observations of ion yields are compared to theoretical calculations based on a simple formalism used for two-photon transition rates, coupled with a rate-equations calculation of the total ionization rate. Advantages of 2 + 1 ionization compared with more widely used 1 + 1 processes are discussed.
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Apel
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Estler
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Nogar
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Miller