Formation of Argon Cluster with Proton Seeding

TL;DR

This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to explore how proton seeding influences argon cluster formation and phase transitions, revealing enhanced nano-cluster stability and proposing an analytical stability model.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed simulation approach with physically accurate interactions and develops an analytical model for argon-proton droplet stability, advancing understanding of ion-seeded nucleation.

Findings

Proton seeding accelerates nano-cluster formation.

Proton-argon attraction stabilizes larger clusters.

Analytical model matches simulation results.

Abstract

We employ force-field molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the kinetics of nucleation to new liquid or solid phases in a dense gas of particles, seeded with ions. We use precise atomic pair interactions, with physically correct long-range behavior, between argon atoms and protons. Time-dependence of molecular cluster formation is analyzed at different proton concentration, temperature and argon gas density. The modified phase transitions with proton seeding of the argon gas are identified and analyzed. The seeding of the gas enhances the formation of nano-size atomic clusters and their aggregation. The strong attraction between protons and bath gas atoms stabilizes large nano-clusters and the critical temperature for evaporation. An analytical model is proposed to describe the stability of argon-proton droplets, and is compared with the molecular dynamics simulations.