Evolution of the metallicity in the LiH clusters as a function of m: evidence for a segregation.

The unimolecular decomposition of metal rich LiH clusters (1 ≤ m ≤ 6, n ≤ 22 and ( n − m) > 3) is studied. The evaporative rates of the mixed clusters display features characteristic of metallic clusters. This confirms and extends to a larger size range the previous results obtained by photoionization and absorption cross section measurements. The evaporative rates are simulated by considering that there is a segregation between a metallic Li part and an insulating (LiH) part in the mixed cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]