Au-analyte adducts resulting from single massive gold cluster impacts

Utilizing Au4004+ primary ions produces large molecular ion yields, some in excess of unity, with minimal surface damage. A surprising observation is the occurrence of Au-analyte adducts as part of the ejecta desorbed by a single Au-cluster impact. We present data that demonstrate that Au and Au-adducts as secondary ions (e.g., AuCN−, AuGly− and AuCsI−) are the result of the interaction between a single primary ion, Au4004+ and the target atoms.