Surface Deposition and Imaging of Large Ag Clusters Formed in He Droplets

The utility of a continuous beam of He droplets for the assembly and surface deposition of Ag clusters, <N(Ag)> ~ 300 - 6 000, is studied with transmission electron microscopy. Images of the clusters on amorphous carbon substrates obtained at short deposition times have provided for a measure of the size distribution of the metal clusters. The average sizes of the deposited clusters are in good agreement with an energy balance based estimate of Ag cluster growth in He droplets. Measurements of the deposition rate indicate that upon impact with the surface the He-embedded cluster is attached with high probability. The stability of the deposited clusters on the substrate is discussed.