Generation of Metal Clusters Containing from 2 to 500 Atoms

Abstract

The main problems underlying the experimental study of particles with sizes between single atoms and the solid state have been solved: the formation of metal clusters, their individual detection, and the separation of beams with uniform cluster size. By inertgas condensation of metal vapors the clusters ${\mathrm{Sb}}_1$-${\mathrm{Sb}}_{500}$, ${\mathrm{Bi}}_1$-${\mathrm{Bi}}_{280}$, and ${\mathrm{Pb}}_1$-${\mathrm{Pb}}_{400}$ have been produced. The high intensity observed over the whole mass range henceforth allows a systematic size-dependent investigation of metal clusters.