LASER-ABLATION SAMPLING

Laser ablation sampling provides significant benefits and capabilities for chemical analysis. It represents one of the most promising techno logies for direct solid sample introduction. Despite the advantages, t here are a number of issues that should be addressed to better underst and and utilize this technology. baser ablation itself is a complex pr ocess and is poorly understood, fundamentally. In this paper, we descr ibe the current achievements and limitations in order to better unders tand and utilize laser ablation sampling for chemical analysis. Severa l current issues related to laser ablation sampling are discussed, inc luding calibration and optimization, fractionation, sensitivity enhanc ements, mass loading, and particle transport. Published by Elsevier Sc ience B.V.