Laser desorption/ionization of transition metal atoms and oxides from solid argon

The oxides TiO, CrO, and CoO, formed by reaction of the laser-ablated metal toms and O2 in excess argon during condensation at 10 K are laser desorbed/ionized from solid argon with 308 nm radiation for observation by TOF mass spectrometry. The laser desorption/ionoztion process in cryogenic experiments with low ionization energy subject atoms and molecules is assisted by the organic acid and bromobenzene chromopores.