Cluster Source

The cluster source system at Beamline B07 Diamond Light Source, is available for beamline users. B07 users have access to an offline size-selected cluster source for sample preparation.

The cluster source includes a Nanocluster Deposition Source integrated with a Quadrupole Mass Filter, an UHV deposition chamber and a load lock chamber. The system (NL-UHV, Nikalyte Ltd) uses the gas condensation technique, that generates clusters by rapidly cooling and condensing gas-phase metal or alloy vapors into nanoclusters within an ultra-high vacuum environment. This system allows for precise control over the clusters’ size distribution within the range of few atoms to few nm, composition (sputtering three individual targets at the same time), and structure, making it ideal for producing and deposition of high-quality nanoparticles for a wide range of applications.

Please get in touch to discuss your requirements before submitting a cluster-based proposal. Contacts:  Matthijs Van Spronsen, Ali Khatibi and Georg Held.

B07 cluster source