Dynamics and energy release in fission of small doubly charged clusters

Energetics and dynamics of Coulombic fission of small doubly charged potassium clusters subsequent to the ionization of singly charged ones are investigated experimentally and theoretically. Fission is shown to occur predominantly via ${\mathrm{K}}_{\mathit{n}}^{++}$→${\mathrm{K}}_{\mathit{n}\mathrm{-}3}^{+}$+${\mathrm{K}}_3^{+}$ for 5≤n≤12. The close correspondence between the measured and the calculated kinetic energy release accompanying the fission process allows a deeper understanding of the dynamics and energy redistribution mechanisms in fission of metallic clusters.