Abstract
We have measured kinetic energy distributions of () and () cluster ions sputtered off Ta and Ag targets, following impact of at 14 keV kinetic energy. A gradual increase of the most probable kinetic energies with increased size of the emitted cluster was observed (nearly the same velocity for all values). This behavior is in sharp contrast to that reported for cluster emission induced by the impact of a monoatomic projectile. Our observation is in good agreement with a mechanism based on the new concept of a superhot moving precursor as the source of the emitted clusters.
- Received 21 November 2013
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.027604
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