Velocity correlated emission of secondary clusters by a single surface impact of a polyatomic ion: a new mechanism of cluster emission and subpicosecond probing of extreme spike conditions.

Emission of secondary clusters off clean solid surfaces following the impact of a projectile ion at kiloelectronvolt (keV) kinetic energies is important from both practical and fundamental points of view. Understanding the underlying emission mechanisms using different types and sizes of projectile ions is therefore of high interest. In this perspective article we provide an up-to-date review of our recently observed new mechanism of velocity correlated cluster emission (VCCE) describing the emission of large clusters off different targets following the impact of a large polyatomic ion (C60-). Due to its large collision cross section and large number of light constituent atoms, the incoming C60- disintegrates completely upon an impact resulting in a rather broad and shallow energy deposition, high subsurface energy density and ultrafast evolution of an extreme nonlinear collision cascade dynamics. It is shown that kinetic energy distributions (KEDs) of the emitted clusters behave very differently from the KEDs of cluster ions emitted following the impact of a heavy monoatomic ion. All the large clusters emitted from a given target (following the keV C60- impact) move with nearly the same velocity and their KEDs could be fairly well described by a shifted Maxwellian. Namely, a thermal distribution superimposed on a center-of-mass velocity of a moving precursor which is the source of the emitted clusters. So far we have measured and analyzed KEDs for NbnCn+, TanCn+,Agn+, Cun+, Aun+ and Aln+ clusters emitted from their respective metallic targets, thus demonstrating the general validity of the VCCE effect as a new sputtering mechanism. We have also proposed a simple model for the initial, subpicosecond emission step of the precursor (and the resulting emitted clusters) and supported it by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the thermal behavior of the impact induced spike on the subpicosecond timescale. It is shown that each complete family of measured cluster KEDs (for a given target) can serve as a unique diagnostic tool, probing the extreme temperature and pressure evolving in the impact induced spike. We will discuss our accumulated findings from new perspectives and report new observations and additional analysis aspects.

Emission of velocity-correlated clusters in fullerene-solid single collision and diagnostics of the impact energized subsurface nanovolume.

We have measured kinetic energy distributions (KEDs) of large clusters emitted from five different solid targets following a single impact of C60 - ion at 14 keV kinetic energy. It was found that all the large clusters emitted from a given target move with nearly the same velocity and that their KEDs can be described by a thermal distribution riding on a common center-of-mass velocity (shifted Maxwellian) of some precursor. This behavior is in sharp contrast to that observed when the incoming projectile ion is monoatomic. Different trends were observed when comparing the behavior of the KED families of group 5 early transition metal elements (Ta and Nb) with those of group 11 late transition metals (Cu, Ag, and Au). We propose a model for the initial phase of formation of the precursor and show that the measured KEDs can serve as both pressure and temperature probes for the impact excited, highly energized subsurface nanovolume, driving the ejection of the clusters. It is also shown that under the proposed impact scenario, thermally equilibrated conditions (of the atomic subsystem) can be established at the subsurface nanovolume on the early subpicosecond time scale relevant for the emission process. This conclusion is demonstrated both experimentally by the KEDs of the emitted large clusters (very high temperatures and center-of-mass velocity) and by molecular dynamics simulation of the temporal evolution of the thermal characteristics of the impact energized subsurface nanovolume.

Direct experimental observation of a new mechanism for sputtering of solids by a large polyatomic projectile: velocity-correlated cluster emission.

We have measured kinetic energy distributions of Ta(n)C(n)(+) (n=1-10) and Ag(n)(+) (n=1-9) cluster ions sputtered off Ta and Ag targets, following impact of C(60)(-) at 14 keV kinetic energy. A gradual increase of the most probable kinetic energies with increased size of the emitted cluster was observed (nearly the same velocity for all n values). This behavior is in sharp contrast to that reported for cluster emission induced by the impact of a monoatomic projectile. Our observation is in good agreement with a mechanism based on the new concept of a superhot moving precursor as the source of the emitted clusters.

Formation and emission of gold and silver carbide cluster ions in a single C60- surface impact at keV energies: experiment and calculations.

Impact of fullerene ions (C(60)(-)) on a metallic surface at keV kinetic energies and under single collision conditions is used as an efficient way for generating gas phase carbide cluster ions of gold and silver, which were rarely explored before. Positively and negatively charged cluster ions, Au(n)C(m)(+) (n = 1-5, 1 ≤ m ≤ 12), Ag(n)C(m)(+) (n = 1-7, 1 ≤ m ≤ 7), Au(n)C(m)(-) (n = 1-5, 1 ≤ m ≤ 10), and Ag(n)C(m)(-) (n = 1-3, 1 ≤ m ≤ 6), were observed. The Au(3)C(2)(+) and Ag(3)C(2)(+) clusters are the most abundant cations in the corresponding mass spectra. Pronounced odd/even intensity alternations were observed for nearly all Au(n)C(m)(+/-) and Ag(n)C(m)(+/-) series. The time dependence of signal intensity for selected positive ions was measured over a broad range of C(60)(-) impact energies and fluxes. A few orders of magnitude immediate signal jump instantaneous with the C(60)(-) ion beam opening was observed, followed by a nearly constant plateau. It is concluded that the overall process of the fullerene collision and formation∕ejection of the carbidic species can be described as a single impact event where the shattering of the incoming C(60)(-) ion into small C(m) fragments occurs nearly instantaneously with the (multiple) pickup of metal atoms and resulting emission of the carbide clusters. Density functional theory calculations showed that the most stable configuration of the Au(n)C(m)(+) (n = 1, 2) clusters is a linear carbon chain with one or two terminal gold atoms correspondingly (except for a bent configuration of Au(2)C(+)). The calculated AuC(m) adiabatic ionization energies showed parity alternations in agreement with the measured intensity alternations of the corresponding ions. The Au(3)C(2)(+) ion possesses a basic Au(2)C(2) acetylide structure with a π-coordinated third gold atom, forming a π-complex structure of the type [Au(π-Au(2)C(2))](+). The calculation shows meaningful contributions of direct gold-gold bonding to the overall stability of the Au(3)C(2)(+) complex.

Activation of electrogenic Na-Ca exchange by light in fly photoreceptors.

Illumination of white-eyed Musca photoreceptors following hypoxia or the application of ruthenium red (RR, a known blocker of Ca2+ uptake into intracellular organelles) induced a transient after depolarization (TA). The TA was enhanced when external [Ca2+] was reduced; it was abolished when external [Na+] was reduced to a level that affected the receptor potential to a small degree. The TA was enhanced or depressed when the activity of Na/K pump, which controls the Na+ gradient, was enhanced or depressed respectively. This effect was observed even when the receptor potential was not affected. All of the above observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the TA is triggered by a light-induced increase in the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ which appear to be very high, following treatments with hypoxia or RR. The high sensitivity of the TA to Na+ and Ca2+ gradients across the photoreceptors membrane strongly suggests that the TA is due to a transient activation of an electrogenic Na-Ca exchange mechanism which depolarizes the cell.

Asymptotic and dimensionless analysis of the response of living tissue to surgical pulsed CO2 lasers.

The mathematical model of the interaction between the radiation of pulsed CO2 lasers and tissue was revisited. Asymptotic calculations were employed to determine upper and lower bounds for the evaporated volume and crater depth. Dimensionless time variables for conduction, beam attenuation by tissue vapors and for damage were introduced. Optimal exposure parameters were identified through a dimensionless analysis.

The response of living tissue to pulses of a surgical CO2 laser.

The response of living tissue to surgical lasers was studied numerically. An algorithm computed the crater boundaries formed by a single laser pulse and the thermochemical damage around this crater. Heat conduction and beam attenuation by tissue vapors were found to be the major factor in the reduction of cutting efficiency.

New techniques for reducing the thermochemical damage in the course of laser surgery.

New techniques were proposed for reducing the damage incurred to living tissues owing to temperature rise induced by surgical lasers. Precooling of the tissue and spatial filtering were evaluated numerically and were shown to be most effective in most surgical procedures. Application of pulse trains was also evaluated numerically and optimal operating conditions were identified.

Tissue precooling for thermochemical damage reduction during laser surgery.

This report describes a preliminary investigation of the possibility of reducing the thermal damage induced by lasers in the course of laser surgery. Skin incisions made by CO2 laser beams--with and without precooling--were evaluated and compared with scalpel cuts. Full thickness cuts were carried out on the flank of adult cats. Precooling was achieved by spraying chlorethyl just before the laser application. Both the precooled and the regular laser incisions were bloodless. The precooled cuts however produced considerably less amount of charring and therefore smoother and cleaner cut edge. The incisions were sutured and the cats were kept under supervision. Upon inspection four weeks later all incisions were completely healed. No skin thickening or keloid were present. The scar produced by the regular laser technique was much more pronounced and wide relative both to the scars of the precooled or the scalpel cuts which were almost alike.