Atomic clusters of magnetic oxides: Structure and phonons

This work represents a combined experimental and theoretical study of structural and magnetic properties of clusters made of cobalt, chromium, and manganese oxides. The clusters were prepared in a molecular cluster source by oxidation of laser-vaporized metal and studied in a time-of-flight spectrometer. Infrared laser-induced cluster dissociation experiments revealed the spectrum of cluster vibrational states. We also performed ab initio local spin density approximation calculations of the equilibrium geometry, electronic structure, and magnetic properties of these clusters. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.