Resonance ionization for the detection and for the production of radioactive ion beams. From the highly selective ultra-trace detection to the selective on-line laser ion source

Resonant laser ionization has been established as a universal technique for applications, which require a selective ionization and high efficiency. In this thesis two laser systems were developed and applied to attain different objectives. The first part describes the development of high resolution resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) for the ultra-trace analysis of 41Ca. Therefore three continuous diode lasers were combined with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. At an efficiency of 1 x 10-5 a detection level of 2 x 10-1341Ca/totCa was achieved. The method allowed the participation in an interdisciplinary osteoporosis research network. Intercomparison measurements demonstrated an excellent agreement between RIMS and all other present 41Ca ultra-trace analysis methods. The second part of the thesis refers to the adaptation of a tunable, high repetition rate titanium:sapphire laser system for the selective production of radioactive ion beams at a laser ion source, making an efficient resonant excitation of the majority of the elements of the periodic system possible. Hence a combined frequency doubling and tripling unit was constructed. The applicability of the solid-state laser system was demonstrated in off-line measurements at Mainz and on the ISOL facilities at TRIUMF and ORNL and resulted in the first on-line run at TRIUMF. (Orig.)