text: Photodissociation is used to detect electromagnetic activity of ions, compounds, and clusters when spectroscopy cannot be directly applied. Low concentrations of analyte can be one inhibiting factor to spectroscopy esp. in the gas phase. Mass spectrometers, time-of-flight and ion cyclotron resonance have been used to study hydrated ion clusters. Instruments are able to use ESI to effectively form hydrated ion clusters. Laser ablation and corona discharge have also been used to form ion clusters. Complexes are directed through a mass spectrometer where they are irradiated with infrared light, Nd:YAG laser.