Detector based on time-resolved ion-induced voltage in laser multiphoton ionization and laser-induced fluorescence

The time-resolved ion-induced voltages obtained from multiphoton ionization (MPI) in gases were applied, for the first time, together with time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (TR-LIF) for fast detection of organic compounds in ambient air. The target compounds were polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitroaromatics. The concepts of the proposed method are presented and examined. It is shown that the MPI signals allow for estimation of the molecular weight, while the fluorescence data supply additional quantitative and qualitative information. A 3D data presentation is suggested for obtaining selectivity. The proposed dimensions are the MPI-based mass estimation, the maximum LIF wavelength and the measured fluorescence lifetime. Since all required data are acquired simultaneously and since the setup can be continuously operated, this analytical concept is suggested for on-line applications. The common air components are not ionized at the selected wavelengths and only the organic pollutants are detected under these conditions. Moreover, it is shown that the resonant MPI mode provides a certain level of selectivity. Therefore, this setup may become the basis of an air sniffer. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.