Temperature determination of (CO2)N nanoparticles in a cluster beam using SF6 molecules as probe thermometers

The method is suggested and the experimental results are presented on the temperature determination of (CO2)N clusters (nanoparticles) (N ⩾ 102 is a number of monomers in a cluster) in a beam using SF6 molecules from intersecting molecular beam as probe thermometers. The molecules are captured by clusters and, after a certain time, sublimate from the surface of clusters carrying information on the velocity and temperature (internal energy) of clusters. Using time-of-flight (TOF) method the kinetic energy (velocity) of sublimated SF6 molecules was measured and the temperature of clusters was determined to be Tcl = (105 ± 15) K.