Describes the historical development, performance characteristics (sample requirements, analysis time, ionization characteristics, speciation capabilities, and figures of merit), and applications of laser microprobe mass spectrometry. (JN)

Applications of lasers to molecular absorption spectrometry, molecular fluorescence spectrometry, visible semiconductor fluorometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, and atomic fluorescence spectrometry are discussed. Details of the use of the frequency-doubled diode laser are provided. (CW)

Elements covered in this review include: aluminum, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, boron, calcium, carbon, chromium, cobalt, copper, hydrogen, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, niobium, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, platinum, rare earths, silicons, sulfur, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zinc, and zirconium. Analytical methods…