Secondary ion mass spectrometry of small-molecule solids at cryogenic temperatures. 1. Nitrogen and carbon monoxide

Secondary ion mass spectra of solid nitrogen and carbon monoxide were observed at 15 K. The effects of the nature and energy of the primary probe ion were investigated. Direct charge transfer, inelastic momentum transfer, association reactions, and ion-molecule reactions all seem to contribute to the formation of the secondary charged particles. With the heavier probe ions extensive cluster formation was observed.