Cluster beams from passivated nanocrystals
I. Vezmar, M.M. Alvarez, J.T. Khoury, B.E. Salisbury, M.N. Shafigullin, R.L. Whetten

Abstract:

Stable, intense beams of large metal clusters (from 10² to 10³ Au or Ag atoms) can be produced by laser desorption of molecular films of passivated nanocrystals that have undergone fractionation by size and a separate structural characterization. The mass onset of the desorbed species corresponds directly to the dimensions of the nanocrystal core, indicating that only the surfactant shell is lost during desorption. Photofragmentation, photoionization, and photodetachment from beams of large metal clusters, generated in this way, have all been observed.

PACS: 36.40.-c

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