Internal conversion in the photofragmentation of Ar +n clusters (n = 3–8)

Abstract

Simulation of the photofragmentation of Ar⁺_n clusters, n = 3–8, is performed for visible and UV excitations. The electronic Hamiltonian is modelled with a DIM approach and the absorption spectrum is calculated using semiclassical ideas. Kinetic energy histograms showing fast and slow fragments and monomer and dimer ions ratios are computed for various sizes and excitation energies of the clusters. We also investigate the coincidence between fragments in the photodissociation of Ar⁺₃ and Ar⁺₄. In addition, the statistical distribution of largest fragments is addressed. The comparison between photofragmentation and thermodissociation simulations with experimental results illustrates the efficiency of internal conversion in larger Ar⁺_n clusters.