Effect of energy density on cluster formation from energized metals

Using molecular-dynamics computer simulation, we perform a model study of the processes occurring after the sudden energization of a laterally infinite metallic slab. For small initial energy densities, only a small number of atoms evaporate from the metal. For high energy densities, the solid atomizes, and only small clusters are formed with an exponential cluster abundance distribution. In an intermediate regime, prolific cluster formation is observed with a polynomial decay of the abundance distribution. These results are discussed in the light of the critical point of the gas-liquid phase transition.