A matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometer based on a 600 ps, 1.2 mJ nitrogen laser.

The design and performance of a short-pulse UV laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometer is described. The instrument combines the advantages of a 600 ps, 337 nm pulsed nitrogen laser with a compact, high-voltage extraction linear time-of-flight analyzer. A number of peptides and proteins have been analyzed to demonstrate sensitivity, high mass range, resolution and mixture analysis.