The new ClusterTrap setup

ClusterTrap has been designed to investigate properties of atomic clusters in the gas phase with particular emphasis on the dependence on the cluster size and charge state. The combination of cluster source, Penning trap and time-of-flight mass spectrometry allows a variety of experimental schemes including collision-induced dissociation, photo-dissociation, further ionization by electron impact, and electron attachment. Due to the storage capability of the trap extended-delay reaction experiments can be performed. Several recent modifications have resulted in an improved setup. In particular, an electrostatic quadrupole deflector allows the coupling of several sources or detectors to the Penning trap. Furthermore, a linear radio-frequency quadrupole trap has been added for accumulation and ion bunching and by switching the potential of a drift tube the kinetic energy of the cluster ions can be adjusted on their way towards or from the Penning trap. Recently, experiments on multiply negatively charged clusters have been resumed.