Production of bimetallic clusters by a dual-target dual-laser vaporization source

A new dual-target dual-laser vaporization source for the production of binary metallic clusters is presented. Clusters of the type Au_nX_m (X=Al, Fe, Co, Ni) were produced. Excellent control over the mixing process was achieved by varying the delay time between the firing of the two lasers and their energy densities. Having identified these critical parameters, their influence over the production process is shown in detail for the Au_n,Al_m system. The production of bimetallic clusters in this source is due to the spatial and temporal overlap of the two laser vaporized materials in the source.