New developments in velocity-map imaging mass spectrometry based on the Pixel Imaging Mass Spectrometry camera: Correlations between multiple ions and electrons and imaging molecular structure and following photoinduced processes on a femtosecond time scale

• Applicant: Dr. Alexandra Lauer
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: from 2012 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 217053462

The photoelectron-photoion coincidence (PEPICO) and photoion-photoion coincidence (PIPICO) methods are used to study the dissociation dynamics of photo-induced reactions. Both techniques will profit from newly developed fast sensors, of which prototypes are currently being implemented in the group of Prof. Brouard. I propose to examine the capabilities of the sensors in the setup, using well-known systems to characterise the instrument, before I start to investigate slightly larger molecular systems. The improved coincidence techniques will contribute to the enhanced understanding of photoinduced reaction dynamics. Further, I propose to apply the fast sensors to spatial-map imaging of two-dimensional samples. With the fast detection system, it becomes possible to image the whole sample area in the microscope mode, as well as detecting all occurring mass signals, in a single time-of-flight cycle. This allows for efficient high-throughput screening of sample arrays, either to optimise the conditions or analyse a photoreaction, or to quickly identify and characterise sets of biological samples, e.g. proteins. Moreover, I also propose to apply the technique to analyse two-dimensional tissue samples, and to refine the method for practical application on medically relevant tissue samples.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Host: Professor Dr. Mark Brouard