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.