Multiple-collision induced dissociation of trapped silver clusters Agn+ (2≤n≤25)

The dissociation energies of singly charged silver cluster cations, Ag-n(+) (2 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 25), are determined by multiple-collision induced dissociation (MCID) in a Penning trap. The fragment yield is analyzed in terms of a linearized impulsive collision theory for the energy transfer in the multicollisional process and the delayed decay as predicted by the Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel (RRK) model. Previous photofragmentation experiments performed in the size range (9 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 21) are found to be in good agreement with the present results. Theoretical predictions agree for most clusters sizes. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(99)01314-8].