Multi-center clustering of lithium on helium nanodroplet surfaces

Determine whether lithium atoms doped onto the surfaces of large helium nanodroplets form multiple cluster centers during coagulation under the reported experimental conditions, and establish direct evidence confirming or refuting multi-center clustering of lithium on helium nanodroplets.

Background

In the experiments, helium nanodroplets are doped with lithium by passing through a heated vapor cell, leading to formation of lithium clusters on the droplet surface. The authors vary the doping cell temperature to probe ion yields and infer aspects of the clustering behavior.

While prior studies on other metals suggest that clustering often occurs at multiple centers on helium droplets, the present data do not allow the authors to conclusively determine whether lithium exhibits similar multi-center clustering under these conditions. Clarifying this point is relevant for interpreting ionization pathways and the efficiency of interatomic Coulombic decay involving dopant clusters.