Characterization of Nn=2-18+ clusters produced by 252Cf fission fragment impact on a N2 ice target

The structures and abundances of Nn=2-18+ clusters produced by impact of 252Cf fission fragments (FF) on N2 ice target are analyzed. A systematic search for the more stable conformers at the DFT/B3LYP level and a recently proposed methodology for a proper taxonomic description (D-plot) of the cluster isomers in series are presented. Several new members of the previously reported linear series have been identified. Besides that, three new series of clusters and some other stable structures have also been found. The clusters stability and ionization potential analysis showed that the 252Cf FF exponential dependence of the cluster yield with its mass is rather a consequence of the production mechanism than that of the cluster structure.