The process in which ions are ejected from a sample surface (which may be a solid
or substrate dissolved in a solvent matrix) as a result of bombardment by a primary
beam of atoms or ions.
Source:
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541
(Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an
appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991))
on page 1548