Growth of tellurium clusters in presence of metal impurities

The growth of small tellurium clusters in helium and the influence of a metal impurity (dysprosium atoms) on the cluster size distribution are investigated in a double laser vaporization source. A model describing the role of the carrier gas as collision partner is presented, emphasizing the crucial influence of the gas pressure on cluster formation. Changes in cluster reactivity due to dysprosium addition are discussed in terms of ionic structures Dy(TeN ) 3− containing a radical electron. PACS. 36.40.Jn Reactivity of clusters – 36.40.Qv Stability and fragmentation of clusters – 34.10.+x General theories and models of atomic and molecular collisions and interactions (including statistical theories, transition state, stochastic and trajectory models, etc.)