Photoionization thresholds and structures of third group metals clustered with ammonia

A photoionization study of the Me(NH3) clusters formed in the reaction of photoablated third group metal vapor with gaseous ammonia is reported. The photoionization spectra exhibit some features due to vibrational excitation of ionic clusters and to transitions to neutral Rydberg states leading to autoionization. DFT quantum chemical calculations are performed on the Me(NH3). The cluster geometries are fully optimized imposing the C3v symmetry. The calculated values of the IPs are in agreement with those experimentally determined.