Formation and Distribution of Neutral Transition Metal Oxide Clusters: Single Photon Ionization at 26.5 eV

ORAL

Abstract

A single photon of an EUV laser (26.5 eV) has enough energy to ionize any metal oxide cluster generated in a molecular beam. Neutral vanadium, niobium, and tantalum oxide clusters are studied by single photon ionization employing a 26.5 eV EUV laser. During the ionization process, metal oxide clusters are virtually free of fragmentation. The most stable neutral metal oxide clusters under saturated oxygen conditions can be represented as (MO$_{2})_{0,1}$(M$_{2}$O$_{5})_{y}$ (M=V, Nb, Ta). Both O-rich and O-deficient clusters can be observed. Oxygen-rich metal oxide clusters with high ionization energy are detected by 26.5 eV, but not by 10.5 eV, ionization. For O-rich clusters M$_{x}$O$_{y}$H$_{z}$ species are also observed for the first time. Given these experimental capabilities, neutral cluster reactions and reactivity can be studied. We will present preliminary results of these studies.

–

Authors

  • Feng Dong

    NSF ERC for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, Colorado State University Departments of Chemistry and Electrical and Computer Engineering, NSF ERC for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, Colorado State University

  • Scott Heinbuch

    NSF ERC for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, Colorado State University Departments of Chemistry and Electrical and Computer Engineering, NSF ERC for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, Colorado State University

  • Jorge J. Rocca

    NSF ERC for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, Colorado State University Departments of Chemistry and Electrical and Computer Engineering, NSF ERC for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, Colorado State University, Colorado State University, NSF ERC for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, CSU

  • Elliot R. Benstein

    Colorado State University, NSF ERC for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, Colorado State University Departments of Chemistry and Electrical and Computer Engineering, NSF ERC for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, Colorado State University, Colorado State University, Chemistry Department, Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Colorado Stete University, Department of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Colorado State Univ.