Fundamental studies of the interaction between energetic C 60 Cluster ion beams with inorganic and organic solid surfaces

The nature of the interaction between energetic C60 cluster ion beams with inorganic and organic solid surfaces is presented in this thesis. Details of the interaction were deciphered experimentally and with complementary molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations. Agreement between the experimental results and those calculated on similar systems offers a new avenue to greatly improve the understanding of the C60 cluster ion/solid surface interaction.;The C60 cluster ion/solid surface interaction is investigated experimentally by bombarding solid surfaces in ultra-high vacuum conditions with energetic C60 primary ions and coupling photoionization spectroscopy with surface sensitive methods based on time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Atomistic and coarse-grained MD computer simulations with similar experimental conditions are employed to provide a detailed view of the interaction that is not obtainable with the experiments.;The results presented in this thesis demonstrate that the C60 cluster ion/solid surface interaction stimulates a sputtering process for atoms, molecules, and fragments that is unique and distinguishable from other energetic ion beams. Atoms sputtered from polycrystalline and single crystal surfaces, are dependent on experimental conditions like the C60 impact energy and angle, and the surface topography. Each are demonstrated to influence either the sputtered atom's kinetic energy, take-off angle from the surface, or the sputtering yield. Intact molecules sputtered from organic solid surfaces will desorb via a fluid-flow and effusive-type emission process which is accompanied by molecular fragmentation. The molecular fragmentation can induce exothermic reactions or excitation to gently heat and desorb loosely bound fragments, but can be quenched at liquid nitrogen temperatures. All of these findings illustrate the unique properties associated with the interaction of C60 ion beams with solid surfaces. By knowing how to efficiently use these properties, the combination of C60 ion beams with secondary neutral and secondary ion mass spectrometry can be optimized as a surface analytical tool for the analysis of complex systems like biological cells.