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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
10:37
Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
Published on: January 9, 2014
Self-assembled heterogeneous argon/neon core-shell clusters studied by photoelectron spectroscopy.
M Lundwall1, W Pokapanich, H Bergersen
1Department of Physics, Uppsala University, Box 530, SE-751 21 Uppsala, Sweden. marcus.lundwall@fysik.uu.se
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|June 15, 2007
Summary
Argon and neon clusters exhibit a core-shell structure. Neon layers on argon cores influence neon valence band formation and bandwidth, resembling solid neon.
Area of Science:
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Surface Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Understanding the structure and properties of mixed gas clusters is crucial for various scientific fields.
- Coexpansion techniques offer a method for creating novel cluster structures with unique characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure and electronic properties of argon-neon binary clusters.
- To determine the influence of neon coverage on argon clusters and the formation of neon valence bands.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing synchrotron radiation for cluster analysis.
- Employing electron spectroscopy techniques, including interatomic Coulombic decay (ICD) and photoelectron spectroscopy (PES).
Main Results:
- Binary argon-neon clusters display a distinct core-shell structure with argon at the core and neon in the outer shells.
- Two monolayers (ML) of neon on an argon core are sufficient to form neon valence bands similar to solid neon.
- One ML of neon results in a significant narrowing of the neon valence band, approximately half of the bulk value.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the core-shell structure of argon-neon clusters.
- Neon coverage plays a critical role in the electronic properties and structural evolution of these mixed clusters.
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