Phosphorus cluster cations formed in doped helium nanodroplets are different

TL;DR

This study reveals that phosphorus cluster cations formed in doped helium nanodroplets display unique odd-even oscillations in their size distributions, contrasting with previous findings, due to the low-temperature environment stabilizing the clusters.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the low-temperature helium nanodroplet environment causes phosphorus cluster cations to behave differently from known patterns, highlighting new stabilization effects.

Findings

Pronounced odd-even oscillations in cluster size distributions

Clusters resemble neutral precursors due to low-temperature stabilization

Contradicts typical experimental and theoretical patterns

Abstract

Positively charged cluster ions of phosphorus were formed upon electron ionization of doped helium nanodroplets. The vapors of red phosphorus and a phosphate sample were picked up into neutral and charged helium nanodroplets. Independent on the conditions used, the cluster size distributions exhibit pronounced odd-even oscillations that are opposite to almost all experimental and theoretical patterns published in the literature. The low temperature environment of the superfluid He matrix quenches fragmentation and the charged phosphorus clusters resemble the structure of the neutral precursors.