Dynamics of the multifragmentation of Nan+ clusters (4 ≤ n ≤ 9)

Abstract

The multifragmentation of metallic clusters (Na_n⁺, 4 ≤ n ≤ 9) induced by He impact in the 100 eV collision energy range is investigated theoretically. The study is based on classical dynamics on a single potential energy surface obtained in the diatomic in molecules approach. The parity of the clusters is a key parameter in the multifragmentation, which almost always produces a large ionic fragment with an odd number of atoms and one or more neutral monomer(s) and/or dimer(s). The initial temperature of the cluster has a significant influence on the fragmentation pathways of the odd clusters. These findings are in close agreement with experimental data.