Synopsis
This monograph provides a broad picture of the current understanding of laser ablation and its many applications. It discusses the electronic processes in laser ablation of semiconductors and insulators, the post-ionization of laser-desorbed biomolecules, Fourier-transform mass spectroscopy, the interaction of laser radiation with organic polymers, laser ablation and optical surface damage, laser desorption/ablation with laser detection, and laser ablation of superconducting thin films. The contributors relate experiments and models for the laser ablation of atoms, ions, molecules and clusters from solid surfaces. Specific topics include laser ablation and thin-film deposition of high-temperature superconductors; laser-induced desorption of adsorbed molecules and of semiconductors; laser ablation of polymers and biological tissues; laser desorption mass spectrometry of biological molecules; and applications such as tribological film deposition laser-ablation mass spectrometry in ion traps.
