Out-of-focus spatial map imaging of magnetically deflected sodium ammonia clusters.

This paper introduces out-of-focus spatial map imaging (SMI) as a detection method for magnetic deflection of molecular/cluster beams, using Na m (NH 3 ) n to illustrate its capabilities. This method enables imaging of the complete spatial distribution, simplifying measurements and allowing for cluster-size-resolved analysis by shifting away from traditional in-focus SMI conditions. Incorporating out-of-focus SMI with TOF-MS and velocity map imaging into a single setup allows for direct assessment of clusters' magnetic moments without needing to pre-select velocities. Key findings include a slower relaxation for Na(NH 3 ) 4 compared to Na(NH 3 ) 3 and Na(NH 3 ) 5 , unexpectedly high deflection for larger clusters up to Na(NH 3 ) 9 , hinting at changes in cluster dynamics as the first solvation shell closes. The study also covers the first measurements of Na 2 (NH 3 ) 1 and Na 3 (NH 3 ) n , showing distinct deflection behaviors and underscoring the improved capabilities of the new detection method.