Abstract:
Using field desorption microscopy and time-of-flight mass analysis of ions formed during field desorption, it was shown that the adsorption of caesium atoms on the quasi-spherical nanostructured surface of a rhenium single crystal results in the formation of polyatomic cluster caesium ions (Cs$^+$, Cs$_2^+$, Cs$_3^+$, Cs$_4^+$, Cs$_5^+$). The intensity of the electric field required for the desorption of caesium ions corresponds to the calculated values obtained in the image forces model for the field desorption of alkali metals. Polyatomic caesium clusters are formed at a higher desorbing electric field strength than monatomic ones, despite the fact that they have a lower ionization potential. This indicates a greater value of the binding energy of these clusters to the surface. It was found that the mass distribution of clusters during field desorption depends on the magnitude of the electric field strength.
Keywords:cesium, rhenium, field desorption, clusters.
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