Plasma Desorption Mass Spectrometry (PDMS)
PDMS utilizes ²⁵²Cf fission fragments to desorb large molecules from a target. The target is made up of thin aluminium foil, often covered with a layer or nitrocellulose. Hydrophobic interactiosn allow salts to be washed off and chemical reaction carried out on the target. Alternatively, the sample can be electrosprayed directly onto Ni or AI foil.

This technique is more efficient for analysis of small peptides. PDMA has a reasonably good sensitivity for peptides and small proteins, and typically about 10 picomoles is needed for molecular mass determination of such a protein. The main virtue of this technique is its simplicity, easy usability and easily iinterpretable spectra, which can be easily utilized by non-experts in mass spectrometry.