Mixed ( Ar ) n ( N 2 ) m van der Waals clusters created by pick - up technique

A comparison of the adsorption efficiencies for Ar atoms on large (N2)m (m = 1320−10600) clusters and N2 molecules on large (Ar)n (n = 7900−17000) clusters has been investigated by the pick-up technique. Using mass spectroscopy, it has been shown that mixed (Ar)n(N2)m clusters can be created either by depositing Ar atoms from buffer gas on the surface of (N2)m clusters or by depositing N2 molecules from buffer gas on the surface of (Ar)n clusters. The composition of mixed (Ar)n(N2)m clusters has been determined as a function of cluster size and buffer gas pressure. The adsorption efficiency for Ar on (N2)m clusters is found to be significantly higher than that for N2 on (Ar)n clusters. This effect is attributed to the difference in Ar–Ar, N2–N2 and Ar–N2 binding energies. PACS. 36.40.-c Atomic and molecular clusters – 68.03.Fg Evaporation and condensation