Photoelectron spectroscopy of silicon–carbon cluster anions (SinC−m)

Photoelectron spectra of SinC−m cluster anions (1≤n≤7 and 1≤m≤5) were measured at the photon energies of 3.49 eV, by using a magnetic bottle electron spectrometer. The SinC−m clusters were produced either by a laser vaporization of a silicon–carbon mixed rod or by two laser vaporizations of carbon and silicon rods in a He carrier gas. The spectra of the SinC−1 (3≤n≤7) clusters are similar to those of pure Si−n+1 clusters in the peak positions and their envelopes, which is attributed to the isovalent electronic structure of Si and C atoms as well as to the similar geometrical structure. In contrast, the similarity in the photoelectron spectra is not observed between C−m+1 and Si1C−m (2≤m≤5) clusters, which is attributed to a change in their geometry; from chain to ring. These experimental conclusions are discussed with the results of our theoretical calculations.