Knowledge Bank

By combining thermionic alkali ion sources with a supersonic nozzle, abundant solvated alkali ion clusters in the formula $M(X)n+:M=Na,K,Rb,Cs$ and $X=NH3,C2H4,H2O$, and $CH3OH(n=1to20)$, have been produced. Individual cluster species are resolved by quadrupole mass spectrometry. Details of the experimental apparatus will be presented. The principal goal of this study is to characterize the solvation process at the microscopic level. The initial probe of the solvent environment as a function of cluster size uses vibrational predissociation spectroscopy in an analagous manner to neutral cluster $studies.1$ The results from preliminary spectroscopic investigations will be presented.