Formation and Ionization Potentials of Lead Clusters

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Abstract
Clusters of lead atoms have been produced by an adiabatic expansion of the vapour in a high temperature crucible through a small hole into a vacuum. These clusters have been ionized by electron bombardment and analysed with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Clusters of up to ten atoms have been observed, and Pb7, with the highest intensity. The relative abundance of the clusters is higher at higher crucible temperatures and/or with larger hole diameters. Ionization potentials of the clusters of up to seven atoms have also been measured. The change in the ionization potentials shows the same trend as that in an effective work function of a continuum metal drop.