Interaction of electrons and molecules with a single trapped nanoparticle

Highresolution nanoparticle mass spectrometry (NPMS) is used to study the interaction of electrons and molecules with the surface of a single, isolated particle stored in a three-dimensional quadrupole trap over weeks. IR-laser heating is employed as a fast temperature control. The kinetics of adsorption and desorption of molecules is studied for a 500-nm-diameter SiO₂ particle. A C₆₀ multilayer film has been prepared during online NPMS monitoring. Emission probabilities for secondary electrons are determined for a bare particle and a particle with a 40-nm-thick layer of C₆₀. From the molecular desorption rates (fg/h) at constant temperature binding energies of multilayer 1.47-eV and submonolayer 1.53-eV C₆₀ have been determined. Future perspectives of this new surface-science technique are discussed. PACS 68.43.Mn; 81.15.Ef; 81.70.Pg; 81.70.Fy