In this work, we synthesize Co-doped ZnS nanocrystals by pulsed laser ablation and deposition and investigate the composition and dynamics of the plasma produced in the ablation by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The first experimental observation of Co-substituted ZnS clusters in the ablation plasma is reported; three series of cationic bimetallic clusters Zn n–m Co m S n +, Zn n–m Co m S n+1 +, and Zn n–m Co m S n–1 + are identified upon 1064 nm laser ablation of targets of Co (2%) in ZnS. Neutral clusters produced in the ablation are also observed by F2 laser (λ = 157 nm) postionization. Deposits are collected at the same laser ablation wavelength and fluence at which the above bimetallic clusters are observed in the plasma. Analysis by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry obtains that the deposits are composed of Zn0.96Co0.04S nanocrystals with local structure showing epitaxial growth between the zinc blende and wurtzite politypes. The deposits show paramagnetic behavior, but no magnetic ordering is observed. The results constitute a first step to help to elucidate the participation of cluster assembly processes in the synthesis of Co-doped ZnS nanomaterials by pulsed laser ablation and deposition.

The formation mechanism and stability of silicon oxide clusters observed in the ablation of SiO targets at 266 nm were investigated by time-of-flight mass spectrometry, laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), and DFT calculations. Neutral and positively charged Si(n)(+/0) and Si(n)O(m)H(0,1)(+) clusters were identified in the plume, but neutral Si(n)O(m) could not be observed. The time distribution of SiO in the plume measured by postionization with an ArF laser (Delta lambda approximately 1 nm, tau approximately 14 ns) and mass spectrometric detection was compared with that obtained by LIF with narrowband dye laser selective excitation of one specific rovibronic transition in SiO. Postionization leads to a multicomponent distribution that extends up to times near 100 micros after ablation, whereas LIF measurements obtain time distributions shorter than 20 micros. DFT calculations of several Si(n)O(m)(0/+) were performed, showing that one photon absorption of the postionization laser makes available low-energy dissociation channels of the neutrals, whereas two photon absorption is required for ionization. DFT calculations were carried out for stoichiometric H-containing clusters Si(n)O(n)H(+) (n = 1-4). For n = 1,2, the optimized geometries involve bonding of hydrogen to one oxygen atom in the clusters; for n = 3 and 4, the structures containing H-Si bonds are more stable.

Gas-phase oxygen-rich iron oxide clusters Fe(O 2 ) n + (n=1-6), are produced in a molecular beam apparatus. Their stability and structure are investigated by measuring the fragmentation cross sections

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