Li_nC₆₀⁺ Formation after Selection

(larger image)

To extract size dependent formation rates and their pressure dependence, mass selection of individual cluster types was necessary. Mass selected Li_nC₆₀⁺ ions are shown on the left, and the effects of enduring exposure to Li is shown on the right. (Indicated mass values are slightly incorrect because of distortion introduced by space charge during the ejection process.) These spectra are averages over 5 experimental sequences. This is a remarkable demonstration of the sensitivity of the technique for performing experiments on a small number of trapped ions.