The process begins by mixing the sample with a suitable matrix material, typically an organic compound like sinapinic acid or 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. This mixture is then applied to a target plate and allowed to crystallize. When a laser beam, usually in the UV range, strikes the sample-matrix mixture, the matrix absorbs the energy, leading to its rapid desorption and ionization. This results in the ionization of the analyte molecules, which are then accelerated into the mass spectrometer for analysis.
