Magic numbers in copper-doped aluminum cluster anions

Abstract

Copper-doped aluminum cluster anions, CuAln− were generated in a laser vaporization source and examined via mass spectrometry (n=2–30) and anion photoelectron spectroscopy (n=2–15). The mass spectrum of the CuAln− series is dominated by CuAl13− with other magic numbers also appearing at n=6, 19, and 23. The electron affinity versus cluster size trend shows a peak at n=6 and a dip at n=13. These results are discussed in terms of the reordering of shell model energy levels and the enhanced stability of neutral CuAl13. Reordering, which is a consequence of the copper atom residing in the central region of these clusters, provides an anion-oriented electronic rationale for the observed magic numbers.