Analysis of Gas-Phase Clusters Made from Laser-Vaporized Icosahedral Al−Pd−Mn
An icosahedral Al-Pd-Mn quasicrystal sample is laser vaporized to form metal clusters by gas aggregation. The clusters are subsequently laser ionized and mass analyzed in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The mass spectra show cluster compositions which are qualitatively similar to that of the sample. This is consistent with a kinetically controlled cluster growth process. Cluster thermodynamic stability is probed by multiphoton ionization/fragmentation, which induces primarily Al and Mn loss. The resulting spectra are composed of a series of Pd-rich Al-Pd clusters. The average cluster composition is 60 (′1)% Pd. This composition is close to a known eutectic in the Al-Pd system. When manganese is seen on these clusters, it is always in units of Mn 3 . These results are discussed in terms of relative binding strengths in the Al-Pd-Mn alloy system.
Experimental studies of the chemistry of metal clusters
The procedures for studying chemical reactions of metal clusters in a continuous-flow reactor are described, and examples of such studies are given. Experiments to be discussed include kinetics and thermodynamics measurements, and determination of the composition of clusters saturated with various adsorbate reagents. Specific systems to be covered include the reaction of iron clusters with ammonia and with hydrogen, the reaction of nickel clusters with hydrogen and with ammonia, and the reaction of platinum clusters with ethylene. The last two reactions are characterized by complex, multi-step processes that lead to adsorbate decomposition and hydrogen desorption from the clusters. Methods for probing these processes will be discussed. 26 refs., 8 figs.
The MR-TOF-MS isobar separator for the TITAN facility at TRIUMF
At TRIUMF’s Ion Trap for Atomic and Nuclear Science (TITAN) a multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-TOF-MS) will extend TITAN’s capabilities and facilitate mass measurements and in-trap decay spectroscopy of exotic nuclei that so far have not been possible due to strong isobaric contamination. This MR-TOF-MS will also enable mass measurements of very short-lived nuclides (half-life > 1 ms) that are produced in very low quantities (a few detected ions overall). In order to allow the installation of an MR-TOF-MS in the restricted space on the platform, on which the TITAN facility is located, novel mass spectrometric methods have been developed. Transport, cooling and distribution of the ions inside the device is done using a buffer gas-filled RFQ-based ion beam switchyard. Mass selection is achieved using a dynamic retrapping technique after time-of-flight analysis in an electrostatic isochronous reflector system. Only due to the combination of these novel methods the realization of an MR-TOF-MS based isobar separator at TITAN has become possible. The device has been built, commissioned off-line and is currently under installation at TITAN.