Desk-top Size High Repetition Rate 46.9 Nm Capillary Discharge Laser as Photoioniza Tion Source for Photochemistry Applications

OF THESIS DESK-TOP SIZE HIGH REPETITION RATE 46.9 NM CAPILLARY DISCHARGE LASER AS PHOTOIONIZATION SOURCE FOR PHOTOCHEMISTRY APPLICATIONS A portable high repetition rate desktop-size capillary discharge laser emitting at a wavelength of 46.9 nm (26.5 eV photon energy) was demonstrated and used as a photoionization source in nanocluster mass spectroscopy. The high photon energy allows the single-photon ionization of nanoclusters and other molecules, which, due to their high ionization potential, would otherwise require undesirable multi-photon ionization. This Ne-like Ar capillary discharge laser occupies a table area of approximately 0.4 x 0.4 m, smaller than that occupied by many widely used ultraviolet gas lasers. The laser's power supplies and gas handling system are designed to fit into small racks that can be placed underneath a standard optical table. The main spark-gap is electrically triggered to allow synchronization of the laser pulses with those of other lasers in photochemistry