Sputtering of large clusters: Information from mass spectra

Abstract

Abstract Large clusters are often emitted from solids or liquids bombarded by keV ions or atoms. Mass spectra measured late (≫ 1 μs) after bombardment are influenced by relative cluster stabilities, and hence contain information relevant to cluster physics. Early (≪ 1 μs) mass spectra reveal information on the cluster formation process. Statistical theories of cluster formation indicate that high energy densities in near-surface-regions of the collision cascade are necessary to explain measured cluster abundancies. The thermodynamic model of cluster formation predicts that clusters are formed with increased efficiency at the critical point of the liquid-gas phase transition. This is in agreement with measured mass distributions.

Identifiers

DOI

10.1080/10420158908220546

Citations and references