Stopping power and nano-particles: Collisions of ions in low charge states with metallic clusters

In an experimental study, the multi-ionisation of metallic clusters (Nan) has been analysed in collisions with light ions in low charge states (H+, He+, He2+, O3+) at collision velocities below 1 a.u. Cluster ions are produced in charge states up to 5+. The average charge of the nano-particles is found to increase linearly with the variation of projectile velocity and the square of the effective projectile charge, well in agreement with the electronic stopping power of the bulk material. A fraction of 50% to 30% of the total projectile energy loss (decreasing with velocity) is transferred into vibrational modes in good agreement with recent theoretical predictions. (orig.)