Electron detachment and fragmentation in collisions between 50 keV C-n(-) (1<=n<=86) clusters and H-2

The destruction cross section for 50 keV negative carbon clusters C-n(-)(1 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 88) in collisions with H-2 is reported, The dominant destruction channel is believed to be electron detachment. The measured cross section values are compared with theoretical values based on a simple geometrical model of the carbon cluster, and structural information is obtained. Fragment spectra of both positive and negative clusters are also recorded and fragmentation patterns are discussed in relation to fragmentation energies and ionization potentials.