Molecular dynamics simulation of formation of accelerated neutral atom and cluster beams

A molecular dynamics simulation of accelerated argon cluster ion collisions with residual gas atoms was carried out. Cluster ions having an icosahedral structure were considered. The dependence of the impact fragmentation results of cluster ions on their initial sizes and on the value of the accelerating potential was studied. The simulation demonstrated that in the case of impact breaking of cluster ions along with the forming of a "cloud" of individual atoms, the formation of heated fragments and their complete or partial melting are observed. Further intensive evaporative cooling of these fragments occurred, which caused the appearance and/or growth of an ordered (icosahedral or crystal) structure in them. The probability of charge loss of the fragments was estimated. It was demonstrated that certain of the fragments can to be a part of a mixed accelerated neutral atom and cluster beams.