1
|
Ernst WE, Hauser AW. Metal clusters synthesized in helium droplets: structure and dynamics from experiment and theory. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 23:7553-7574. [PMID: 33057510 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp04349d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metal clusters have drawn continuous interest because of their high potential for the assembly of matter with special properties that may significantly differ from the corresponding bulk. Controlled combination of particular elements in one nanoparticle can increase the options for the creation of new materials for photonic, catalytic, or electronic applications. Superfluid helium droplets provide confinement and ultralow temperature, i.e. an ideal environment for the atom-by-atom aggregation of a new nanoparticle. This perspective presents a review of the current research progress on the synthesis of tailored metal and metal oxide clusters including core-shell designs, their characterization within the helium droplet beam, deposition on various solid substrates, and analysis via surface diagnostics. Special attention is given to the thermal properties of mixed metal clusters and questions about alloy formation on the nanoscale. Experimental results are accompanied by theoretical approaches employing computational chemistry, molecular dynamics simulations and He density functional theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang E Ernst
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria.
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brieuc F, Schran C, Uhl F, Forbert H, Marx D. Converged quantum simulations of reactive solutes in superfluid helium: The Bochum perspective. J Chem Phys 2020; 152:210901. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0008309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Brieuc
- Lehrstuhl für Theoretische Chemie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Christoph Schran
- Lehrstuhl für Theoretische Chemie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Felix Uhl
- Lehrstuhl für Theoretische Chemie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Harald Forbert
- Center for Solvation Science ZEMOS, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Dominik Marx
- Lehrstuhl für Theoretische Chemie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tiefenthaler L, Ameixa J, Martini P, Albertini S, Ballauf L, Zankl M, Goulart M, Laimer F, von Haeften K, Zappa F, Scheier P. An intense source for cold cluster ions of a specific composition. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2020; 91:033315. [PMID: 32260000 DOI: 10.1063/1.5133112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The demand for nanoscale materials of ultra-high purity and narrow size distribution is addressed. Clusters of Au, C60, H2O, and serine are produced inside helium nanodroplets using a combination of ionization, mass filtering, collisions with atomic or molecular vapor, and electrostatic extraction, in a specific and novel sequence. The helium droplets are produced in an expansion of cold helium gas through a nozzle into vacuum. The droplets are ionized by electron bombardment and subjected to a mass filter. The ionic and mass-selected helium droplets are then guided through a vacuum chamber filled with atomic or molecular vapor where they collide and "pick up" the vapor. The dopants then agglomerate inside the helium droplets around charge centers to singly charged clusters. Evaporation of the helium droplets is induced by collisions in a helium-filled radio frequency (RF)-hexapole, which liberates the cluster ions from the host droplets. The clusters are analyzed with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. It is demonstrated that using this sequence, the size distribution of the dopant cluster ions is distinctly narrower compared to ionization after pickup. Likewise, the ion cluster beam is more intense. The mass spectra show, as well, that ion clusters of the dopants can be produced with only few helium atoms attached, which will be important for messenger spectroscopy. All these findings are important for the scientific research of clusters and nanoscale materials in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Tiefenthaler
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - J Ameixa
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - P Martini
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - S Albertini
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - L Ballauf
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - M Zankl
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - M Goulart
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - F Laimer
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - K von Haeften
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - F Zappa
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - P Scheier
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Blancafort-Jorquera M, Vilà A, González M. Quantum-classical approach to the reaction dynamics in a superfluid helium nanodroplet. The Ne 2 dimer and Ne-Ne adduct formation reaction Ne + Ne-doped nanodroplet. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:24218-24231. [PMID: 31661098 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp04561a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The dynamics of the Ne2 dimer and Ne-Ne adduct formation in a superfluid helium nanodroplet [(4He)N; T = 0.37 K], Ne + Ne@(4He)N→ Ne2@(4He)N'/Ne-Ne@(4He)N' + (N-N')4He with N = 500, has been investigated using a hybrid approach (quantum and classical mechanics (QM-CM) descriptions for helium and the Ne atoms, respectively) and taking into account the angular momentum of the attacking Ne atom, Ne(1). Comparison with zero angular momentum QM results of our own shows that the present results are similar to the quantum ones for the initial Ne(1) velocities (v0) of 500 and 800 m s-1 (the former one being the most probable velocity of Ne at 300 K), in all cases leading to the Ne2 dimer (re = 3.09 Å). However, significant differences appear below v0 = 500 m s-1, because in the QM-CM dynamics, instead of the dimer, a Ne-Ne adduct is formed (r0 = 5.45 Å). The formation of this adduct will probably dominate as the contribution to reactivity of angular momenta larger than zero is the leading one and angular momentum strongly acts against the Ne2 production. Angular momentum adds further difficulties in producing the dimer, since it makes it more difficult to remove the helium density between both Ne atoms to lead, subsequently, to the Ne2 molecule. Hence, the formation of the neon-neon adduct, Ne-Ne@(4He)N', clearly dominates the reactivity of the system, which results in the formation of a "quantum gel"/"quantum foam", because the two Ne atoms essentially maintain their identity inside the nanodroplet. Large enough Ne(1) initial angular momentum values can induce the formation of vortex lines by the collapse of superficial excitations (ripplons), but they occur with greater difficulty than in the case of the capture of the Ne atom by a non doped helium nanodroplet, due to the wave interferences induced by the Ne induced by the solvation layers of the Ne atom originally placed inside the nanodroplet. We hope that this work will encourage other researchers to investigate the reaction dynamics in helium nanodroplets, an interesting topic on which there are few studies available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Blancafort-Jorquera
- Departament de Ciència de Materials i Química Física and IQTC, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Blancafort-Jorquera M, Vilà A, González M. Quantum-classical dynamics of the capture of neon atoms by superfluid helium nanodroplets. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:29737-29753. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cp05140b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The capture dynamics of Ne by a HeND was studied theoretically in a detailed manner (energy and angular momentum transfer and vortex formation).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arnau Vilà
- Departament de Ciència de Materials i Química Física and IQTC
- Universitat de Barcelona
- Barcelona
- Spain
| | - Miguel González
- Departament de Ciència de Materials i Química Física and IQTC
- Universitat de Barcelona
- Barcelona
- Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Thaler P, Volk A, Knez D, Lackner F, Haberfehlner G, Steurer J, Schnedlitz M, Ernst WE. Synthesis of nanoparticles in helium droplets-A characterization comparing mass-spectra and electron microscopy data. J Chem Phys 2016; 143:134201. [PMID: 26450307 DOI: 10.1063/1.4932182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Micrometer sized helium droplets provide an extraordinary environment for the growth of nanoparticles. The method promises great potential for the preparation of core-shell particles as well as one-dimensional nanostructures, which agglomerate along quantum vortices, without involving solvents, ligands, or additives. Using a new apparatus, which enables us to record mass spectra of heavy dopant clusters (>10(4) amu) and to produce samples for transmission electron microscopy simultaneously, we synthesize bare and bimetallic nanoparticles consisting of various materials (Au, Ni, Cr, and Ag). We present a systematical study of the growth process of clusters and nanoparticles inside the helium droplets, which can be described with a simple theoretical model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Thaler
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Alexander Volk
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel Knez
- Institute for Electron Microscopy and Nanoanalysis & Graz Centre for Electron Microscopy, TU Graz, Steyrergasse 17, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Florian Lackner
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Georg Haberfehlner
- Institute for Electron Microscopy and Nanoanalysis & Graz Centre for Electron Microscopy, TU Graz, Steyrergasse 17, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Johannes Steurer
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Schnedlitz
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang E Ernst
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vilà A, González M, Mayol R. Quantum dynamics of the pick up process of atoms by superfluid helium nanodroplets: the Ne + (4He)1000 system. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016; 18:2006-14. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cp04176g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The quantum dynamics of neon atom capture by a superfluid helium-4 nanodroplet has been theoretically investigated using a hybrid method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Vilà
- Departament de Química Física i IQTC
- Universitat de Barcelona
- 08028 Barcelona
- Spain
| | - Miguel González
- Departament de Química Física i IQTC
- Universitat de Barcelona
- 08028 Barcelona
- Spain
| | - Ricardo Mayol
- Departament d'Estructura i Constituents de la Matèria
- Universitat de Barcelona
- 08028 Barcelona
- Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Volk A, Thaler P, Knez D, Hauser AW, Steurer J, Grogger W, Hofer F, Ernst WE. The impact of doping rates on the morphologies of silver and gold nanowires grown in helium nanodroplets. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 18:1451-9. [PMID: 26603482 DOI: 10.1039/c5cp06248a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Silver and gold nanowires are grown within superfluid helium nanodroplets and investigated by high resolution electron microscopy after surface deposition. The wire morphologies depend on the rate of metal atom doping in the pickup sequence. While high doping rates result in a polycrystalline face-centered cubic nanowire structure, at lower doping rates the initial fivefold-symmetry seems to be preserved. An explanation for this observation is given by computer simulations, which allow the derivation of timescales for the nanowire growth process inside helium nanodroplets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Volk
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Würdemann R, Kristoffersen HH, Moseler M, Walter M. Density functional theory and chromium: Insights from the dimers. J Chem Phys 2015; 142:124316. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4915265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Würdemann
- Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum, Universität Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henrik H. Kristoffersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael Moseler
- Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum, Universität Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer IWM, Wöhlerstrasse 11, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany
- Physikalisches Institut, Universität Freiburg, Herrmann-Herder-Straße 3, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum, Universität Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer IWM, Wöhlerstrasse 11, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kautsch A, Koch M, Ernst WE. Photoinduced molecular dissociation and photoinduced recombination mediated by superfluid helium nanodroplets. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 17:12310-6. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cp01009h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Photoinduced predissociation of Cr2 in helium nanodroplets causes stable, quantum state specific spatial separation followed by geminate recombination upon photoionization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kautsch
- Graz University of Technology
- Institute of Experimental Physics
- NAWI Graz
- A-8010 Graz
- Austria
| | - Markus Koch
- Graz University of Technology
- Institute of Experimental Physics
- NAWI Graz
- A-8010 Graz
- Austria
| | - Wolfgang E. Ernst
- Graz University of Technology
- Institute of Experimental Physics
- NAWI Graz
- A-8010 Graz
- Austria
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lackner F, Krois G, Buchsteiner T, Pototschnig JV, Ernst WE. Helium-droplet-assisted preparation of cold RbSr molecules. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 113:153001. [PMID: 25375707 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.113.153001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of the RbSr molecule. The experimental approach is based on the formation of RbSr molecules on helium nanodroplets. Utilizing two-photon ionization spectroscopy, an excitation spectrum ranging from 11,600 up to 23,000 cm(-1) was recorded. High level ab initio calculations of potential energy curves and transition dipole moments accompany the experiment and facilitate an assignment of transitions. We show that RbSr molecules desorb from the helium droplets upon excitation, which enables dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy of free RbSr. These spectra elucidate X(2)Σ(+) ground and excited state properties. Emission spectra originating from states corresponding to the Rb(5s(2)S) + Sr(5s5p(3)P) asymptote were recorded; spin-orbit coupling was included for the simulation. The results should provide a good basis for achieving the formation of this molecule in cold collisions, thus offering intriguing prospects for ultracold molecular physics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lackner
- Institute of Experimental Physics, TU Graz, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Günter Krois
- Institute of Experimental Physics, TU Graz, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Buchsteiner
- Institute of Experimental Physics, TU Graz, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Johann V Pototschnig
- Institute of Experimental Physics, TU Graz, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang E Ernst
- Institute of Experimental Physics, TU Graz, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Koch M, Kautsch A, Lackner F, Ernst WE. One- and two-color resonant photoionization spectroscopy of chromium-doped helium nanodroplets. J Phys Chem A 2014; 118:8373-9. [PMID: 24708058 PMCID: PMC4166682 DOI: 10.1021/jp501285r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
We investigate the photoinduced relaxation
dynamics of Cr atoms
embedded into superfluid helium nanodroplets. One- and two-color resonant
two-photon ionization (1CR2PI and 2CR2PI, respectively) are applied
to study the two strong ground state transitions z7P2,3,4° ←
a7S3 and y7P2,3,4° ← a7S3. Upon photoexcitation, Cr* atoms are ejected from the
droplet in various excited states, as well as paired with helium atoms
as Cr*–Hen exciplexes. For the
y7P2,3,4° intermediate state, comparison of the two methods reveals
that energetically lower states than previously identified are also
populated. With 1CR2PI we find that the population of ejected z5P3° states is reduced for increasing droplet size, indicating that population
is transferred preferentially to lower states during longer interaction
with the droplet. In the 2CR2PI spectra we find evidence for generation
of bare Cr atoms in their septet ground state (a7S3) and metastable quintet state (a5S2), which we attribute to a photoinduced fast excitation–relaxation
cycle mediated by the droplet. A fraction of Cr atoms in these ground
and metastable states is attached to helium atoms, as indicated by
blue wings next to bare atom spectral lines. These relaxation channels
provide new insight into the interaction of excited transition metal
atoms with helium nanodroplets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Koch
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology , Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Krois G, Lackner F, Pototschnig JV, Buchsteiner T, Ernst WE. Characterization of RbSr molecules: spectral analysis on helium droplets. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2014; 16:22373-81. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cp03135k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
14
|
Ratschek M, Pototschnig JV, Hauser AW, Ernst WE. Solvation and spectral line shifts of chromium atoms in helium droplets based on a density functional theory approach. J Phys Chem A 2014; 118:6622-31. [PMID: 24906160 PMCID: PMC4141898 DOI: 10.1021/jp5034036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The
interaction of an electronically excited, single chromium (Cr)
atom with superfluid helium nanodroplets of various size (10 to 2000
helium (He) atoms) is studied with helium density functional theory.
Solvation energies and pseudo-diatomic potential energy surfaces are
determined for Cr in its ground state as well as in the y7P, a5S, and y5P excited states. The necessary
Cr–He pair potentials are calculated by standard methods of
molecular orbital-based electronic structure theory. In its electronic
ground state the Cr atom is found to be fully submerged in the droplet.
A solvation shell structure is derived from fluctuations in the radial
helium density. Electronic excitations of an embedded Cr atom are
simulated by confronting the relaxed helium density (ρHe), obtained for Cr in the ground state, with interaction pair potentials
of excited states. The resulting energy shifts for the transitions
z7P ← a7S, y7P ← a7S, z5P ← a5S, and y5P ← a5S are compared to recent fluorescence and
photoionization experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ratschek
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology , Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Pototschnig JV, Ratschek M, Hauser AW, Ernst WE. An ab initio study of the CrHe diatomic molecule: the effect of van der Waals distortion on a highly magnetic multi-electron system. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2014; 16:9469-78. [PMID: 24722687 DOI: 10.1039/c4cp00559g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between He and Cr is investigated by means of post-Hartree-Fock molecular orbital theory. We analyze the influence of the van der Waals forces on the complex electronic structure of the chromium atom, starting with its septet manifold and cover the first few electronically excited states up to 30 000 cm(-1). For the sake of a direct comparison with ongoing experiments on Cr-doped helium nanodroplets we extend our analysis to selected states of the quintet manifold in order to explain a non-radiating relaxation from y (7)P(o) to z (5)P(o).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johann V Pototschnig
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lindebner F, Kautsch A, Koch M, Ernst WE. Laser ionization and spectroscopy of Cu in superfluid helium nanodroplets. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY 2014; 365-366:255-259. [PMID: 25844053 PMCID: PMC4376070 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijms.2013.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mass and optical spectroscopic methods are used for the analysis of copper (Cu) atoms and clusters doped to helium nanodroplets (HeN). A two-color resonant two-photon ionization scheme is applied to study the Cu 2P[Formula: see text]S1/2 ground state transition. The absorption is strongly broadened for Cu atoms submerged inside helium nanodroplets and a comparison with computed literature values is provided. An observed ejection of the dopant from the droplet is triggered upon excitation, populating energetically lower states. The formation of Cu n clusters up to Cu7 inside helium nanodroplets was observed by means of electron impact ionization mass spectroscopy.
Collapse
|
18
|
Yang S, Ellis AM, Spence D, Feng C, Boatwright A, Latimer E, Binns C. Growing metal nanoparticles in superfluid helium. NANOSCALE 2013; 5:11545-11553. [PMID: 24107922 DOI: 10.1039/c3nr04003h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Helium droplets provide a cold and confined environment where atomic and/or molecular dopants can aggregate into clusters and nanoparticles. In particular, the sequential addition of different materials to helium droplets can lead to the formation of a wide range of nanoparticles, including core-shell nanoparticles, which can then be deposited onto a surface. Here we briefly discuss the fundamental properties of helium droplets and then address their implications for the formation of clusters and nanoparticles. Several key experiments on atomic and molecular clusters will be highlighted and new results obtained for nanoparticles formed in this way will be presented. Finally, the versatility, the limitations and new possibilities provided by superfluid helium droplets in nanoscience and nanotechnology will be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengfu Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kautsch A, Koch M, Ernst WE. Electronic relaxation after resonant laser excitation of Cr in superfluid helium nanodroplets. J Phys Chem A 2013; 117:9621-5. [PMID: 23410146 PMCID: PMC3790455 DOI: 10.1021/jp312336m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chromium (Cr) atoms embedded into helium nanodroplets (HeN) are ejected from the droplets upon photoexcitation. During ejection they undergo electronic relaxation resulting in bare Cr atoms in various excited states. In a study of the relaxation process we present absorption spectra observed via laser induced fluorescence and beam depletion as well as dispersed fluorescence spectra and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. Broad and shifted absorption structures were found for the strong z(7)P° ← a(7)S3 and y(7)P° ← a(7)S3 excitations from the ground state. Emission lines are, in contrast, very narrow, which indicates that fluorescence is obtained from bare excited Cr atoms after ejection. Upon excitation into the y(7)P2,3,4° states we observed fluorescence from y(7)P2°, z(5)P1,2,3°, and z(7)P2,3,4°, indicating that these states are populated by electronic relaxation during the ejection processes. Relative population ratios are obtained from the intensities of individual spectral lines. Excitation into the z(7)P2,3,4° states resulted in fluorescence only from z(7)P2°. Estimates of the time duration of the ejection process are obtained from time-resolved measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kautsch
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology , Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria, EU
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Volk A, Thaler P, Koch M, Fisslthaler E, Grogger W, Ernst WE. High resolution electron microscopy of Ag-clusters in crystalline and non-crystalline morphologies grown inside superfluid helium nanodroplets. J Chem Phys 2013; 138:214312. [PMID: 23758376 DOI: 10.1063/1.4807843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Volk
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|