Infrared spectroscopy at the surface of clusters: SF6 on Ar

We have succeeded in obtaining infrared spectra of molecules adsorbed on the surface of clusters. The method is based on the photodissociation spectroscopy technique developed in our laboratory for the study of cluster beams and on a simple but effective way to prepare mixed clusters in which an IR chromophore is attached to the surface of a nonabsorbing host cluster. The possible extension of this technique to the study of molecular spectroscopy at the surface of clusters large enough to simulate crystal and liquid surfaces is also discussed.