Mass spectra and photoelectron spectroscopy of negatively charged benzene clusters, (benzene)_n^- (n=53-124)

The threshold size and photoelectron study of neat negatively charged benzene clusters was carried out using a high-temperature and high-pressure valve to generate cold, large, negatively charged benzene clusters. It was found that there is an abrupt onset of formation of the (benzene)_n^- clusters occurring at size n=53, and the cluster distribution extended to above n>160. Benzene clusters smaller than the threshold size were also observed. Photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the VDES of (benzene)_n^- with n = 53-124 fell within 0.4-0.6 eV.