What laser vaporization cluster is
The laser vaporization cluster source has been used for the production of gas phase atomic clusters and metal-molecular complexes for 30 years. Numerous experiments in the chemistry and physics of clusters have employed this source. Its operation is simple in principle, but there are many subtle design features that influence the number and size of clusters produced, as well as their composition, charge state, and temperature. This article examines all aspects of the design of these cluster sources, discussing the relevant chemistry, physics, and mechanical aspects of experimental configurations employed by different labs. The principles detailed here provide a framework for the design and implementation of this source for new applications. In the context of laser physics, clustering is the tendency of laser-active ions in a solid-state gain medium to form clusters rather than to be randomly spread. This is normally an undesirable effect, as it allows for energy transfer between lase