STUDY OF THE LASER PHOTODISSOCIATION OF AL(CH3)(3)

UV and visible multiphoton dissociation of Al(CH3)(3) (m-TMA) have bee n investigated by mass spectrometry detection of ionic photofragments. The relative abundances of Al+ and C+ ions and the law of production were monitored as a function of photolysis wavelength and power densit y. Mass spectra are recorded in order to compare the relative abundanc e of C+, CH+, CH2+, CH3+ and Al+ ions. Photolysis in the UV range lead s preferentially to the production of Al+ whereas at 532 nm all the st udied species are present in the same proportion. The mechanisms of di ssociation of TMA are discussed following a set of working hypotheses. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.