Laser-induced plasmas and resonance ionisation spectroscopies

The mechanisms of laser-beam-induced ionisation of matter are briefly reviewed and discussed in relation to applications in spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Non-selective laser-induced ionisation is described as an example of a rapid, real-time technique applicable in harsh environments. Highly selective resonance ionisation, which is much more sensitive, is described with accounts of recent investigations employing resonance ionisation mass spectroscopy