Polymer characterization by laser desorption with multiphoton ionization of end-group chromophores

We have used a combination of laser desorption, separate multiphoton ionization, and mass spectrometry to characterize films of perfluorinated polyethers. Photoionization is achieved through end group chromophores, which are either present in the polymer or chemically attached. The technique provides parent molecular weight distributions without fragmentation. Examples are given of end group analysis, wavelength dependent spectroscopy, analysis of repeat unit distributions in copolymers, and polymer degradation analysis.