Observation of a <span class="aps-inline-formula"><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><mn>1</mn><mi>/</mi><mi mathvariant="italic">t</mi></math></span> Decay Law for Hot Clusters and Molecules in a Storage Ring

K. Hansen; J. U. Andersen; P. Hvelplund; S. P. Møller; U. V. Pedersen; V. V. Petrunin

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.123401

Observation of a $1 / t$ Decay Law for Hot Clusters and Molecules in a Storage Ring

K. Hansen, J. U. Andersen, P. Hvelplund, S. P. Møller, U. V. Pedersen, and V. V. Petrunin

Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 123401 – Published 29 August 2001

Abstract

The exponential law is valid both for decay from a single quantum state into a continuum and for an ensemble maintained in thermal equilibrium. For statistical decay of an ensemble of isolated systems with a broad energy distribution, the exponential decay is replaced by a $1 / t$ distribution. We present confirmation of this decay law by experiments with cluster anions in a small electrostatic storage ring. Deviations from the $1 / t$ law for such an ensemble give important information on the dynamics of the systems. As examples, we present measurements revealing strong radiative cooling of anions of both metal clusters and fullerenes.

Received 26 April 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.123401

Authors & Affiliations

K. Hansen¹, J. U. Andersen¹, P. Hvelplund¹, S. P. Møller², U. V. Pedersen², and V. V. Petrunin¹

¹Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
²Institute of Storage Ring Facilities, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark