Dynamics of cluster deposition on Ar surface

Using a combined quantum mechanical/classical method, we study the dynamics of deposition of small Na clusters on Ar(001) surface. We work out basic mechanisms by systematic variation of substrate activity, impact energy, cluster orientations, cluster sizes, and charges. The soft Ar material is found to serve as an extremely efficient shock absorber which provides cluster capture in a broad range of impact energies. Reflection is only observed in combination with destruction of the substrate. The kinetic energy of the impinging cluster is rapidly transfered at first impact. The distribution of the collision energy over the substrate proceeds very fast with velocity of sound. The full thermalization of ionic and atomic energies goes at a much slower pace with times of several ps. Charged clusters are found to have a much stronger interface interaction and thus get in significantly closer contact with the surface.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, accepted in Euro. Phys. J.

Analysis of directed flow from three-particle correlations

We present a new method for analysing directed flow, based on a three-particle azimuthal correlation. It is less biased by nonflow correlations than two-particle methods, and requires less statistics than four-particle methods. It is illustrated on NA49 data.Comment: Contribution to Quark Matter 2002, Nantes, July 18-24, 200

Exploration of dynamical regimes of irradiated small protonated water clusters

We explore from a theoretical perspective the dynamical response of small water clusters, (H$_2$O)$_n$H$_3$O$^+$ with $n=1,2,3$, to a short laser pulse for various frequencies, from infrared (IR) to ultra-violet (UV) and intensities (from $6\times10^{13}$ W/cm$^2$ to $5\times10^{14}$ W/cm$^2$). To that end, we use time-dependent local-density approximation for the electrons, coupled to molecular dynamics for the atomic cores (TDLDA-MD). The local-density approximation is augmented by a self-interaction correction (SIC) to allow for a correct description of electron emission. For IR frequencies, we see a direct coupling of the laser field to the very light H$^+$ ions in the clusters. Resonant coupling (in the UV) and/or higher intensities lead to fast ionization with subsequent Coulomb explosion. The stability against Coulomb pressure increases with system size. Excitation to lower ionization stages induced strong ionic vibrations. These maintain rather harmonic pattern in spite of the sizeable amplitudes (often 10% of the bond length).Comment: accepted in Eur. J. Phys.