DISSOCIATIVE PHOTOIONIZATION IN THE VACUUM UV REGION WITH ION TRAPPING

Time-resolved photoionization mass spectrometry employs photoionization in the vacuum UV region with ion trapping in a cylindrical ion trap. The experimental method is reviewed and some typical results of previous studies are cited. A new development involves the use of the Hopfield continuum in helium in conjunction with ion trapping. Some new experimental results are presented for C7H7+ formation from toluene and are discussed in connection with the open question whether tropyl cations (Tr+) are formed from toluene molecular ions at their dissociation limit.