Generation of multiply charged atomic ions of halogens using second harmonic of nanosecond Nd:YAG laser

Using the second harmonic output (532 nm) of a commercially available pulsed Nd:YAG laser interacting with pure and mixed clusters of iodo compounds, multiply charged ions of halogen group (F, Cl, Br and I) atoms have been generated based on the phenomenon of low intensity Coulomb explosion. This method provides a useful rugged tool for generation of multiply charged ions which can then be used for various applications. The effect of boiling point (vapour pressure) of the compound forming clusters has been correlated with the highest charged state of ion observed in time of flight mass spectrometer.