Applied mass spectrometry

Abstract

This review presents developments of mass spectrometry in Serbia and the main applications in the physical sciences. The most prominent laboratories involved in this research are The Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and the Laboratory of Atomic Physics, both in The Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, The Institute of Physics of Serbia, and the faculties of Physical Chemistry and Physics in Belgrade. The main topics of investigations are: Analysis of isotopic composition of various elements related to development of methods for enrichment of certain isotopes of importance in nuclear science and technology; Interactions of atoms and molecules with solid surfaces, e.g. surface ionization, adsorption-desorption phenomena; Ion-molecule reactions, and phenomena in electrical discharges; Ionization and dissociation of molecules by monochromatized electron beams (cross sections, thresholds, dissociation energies); High temperature processes and thermodynamic properties of materials of interest in metallurgy and ceramics; Geochronology, geochemistry, hydrology. Besides the quoted activities, there is ongoing active work on the use of mass spectrometry in structural analysis of organic compounds (Faculty of Chemistry and Faculty of Technology in Belgrade), as well as in medicine, environmental sciences and biochemistry, which is beyond of the scope of this review.