Laser IR fragmentation of molecular clusters: the role of channels for energy input and relaxation, the influence of surroundings, and the dynamics of fragmentation

The results of research into the infrared (IR) laser fragmentation of molecular clusters by resonant vibrational excitation of their constituent molecules are presented with special attention given to the role of cluster environment, the energy input and relaxation channels, and dynamical aspects. For this purpose, the results of experiments with free homogeneous and mixed molecular clusters and of experiments with clusters inside or on the surface of large inert gas clusters are analyzed, the laser excitation pulses varying in wavelength and duration. Data on the character and rate of cluster fragmentation, and on the intramolecular and intracluster vibrational energy relaxation times in clusters are discussed. Results of an investigation into the structure and dynamics of molecular clusters and atomic-molecular complexes obtained by IR photodissociation spectroscopy and the spectroscopy of photofragments are analyzed. Methods for generating heterogeneous molecular clusters, for size-selecting clusters. and for studying the IR dissociation and IR fragmentation of clusters are also briefly considered. (reviews of topical problems)