Translational energy losses of LiF cluster ions

Translation energy loss (TEL) values have been measured in the collision-induced fragmentation of Li₆F₅⁺ cluster ions. TEL values varied between 1 and 8 eV in single collisions and showed a strong dependence on the centre-of-mass (com) collision energy. At large com collision energies (>800 eV) the TEL was small (?1.5 eV) and is explained by internal excitation. At lower com collision energies, TEL values were larger (up to 8 eV), and these are explained in terms of kinetic energy uptake by the target gas. TEL values observed using LiF and CsI clusters are compared.