On the Formation of Transient (Na$_{19}$)$_2$ and (Na$_{20}$)$_2$ Cluster Dimers from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

TL;DR

This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to explore how sodium cluster dimers (Na19)2 and (Na20)2 form during collisions, highlighting the influence of initial orientations on their formation.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the formation mechanisms of sodium cluster dimers and the role of initial orientations in their assembly during collisions.

Findings

(Na19)2 formation depends on initial orientations.

(Na20)2 formation shows no orientation dependence.

Simulations suggest specific conditions favor dimer formation.

Abstract

By using tight binding molecular dynamics simulations, we discuss the possibilities to form (Na$_{19}$)$_2$ and (Na$_{20}$)$_2$ cluster dimers in sodium cluster collisions. In the case of Na$_{19}$ + Na$_{19}$, we show that the formation of a prolate dimer-like (Na$_{19}$)$_2$ maybe depend on the initial relative orientations of the colliding clusters. A similar study for Na$_{20}$ + Na$_{20}$ does not seem to show the same dependence on the initial orientations in the formation of the (Na$_{20}$)$_2$ cluster dimer.