Ejection of cluster ions as a result of electron impact ionization of argon clusters

Time evolution of mass distribution of argon cluster ions has been studied in pulsed jets (pulse duration≈0.4 ms) by retarding potential method. The ejection of cluster ions of the order of 180 atoms from cluster ions of the order of 500 atoms has been revealed. The ejection has a threshold character as a function of the time elapsed after electron impact ionization. The threshold time was about 20 μs. Delayed non-thermal fragmentation of the cluster ions testifies that the self-trapped ion, formed in argon clusters as a result of ionization, can live for a long time in its excited state without dissipation of the excess energy to the cluster. This ion should be located on the surface of the cluster. Energetic analysis of the fragmentation is consistent with the size of the ejected clusters. A model of the observed time evolution of the delayed fragmentation is herein proposed.