Time-resolved photoelectron spectra of optically excited states in Pd-3(-)

The electron relaxation dynamics of optically excited states in Pd-3(-) has been measured in a pump-probe arrangement using femtosecond pulses of 1.48 eV photon energy. For excited electrons at energies of 0.8-1.48 eV above t he highest occupied cluster orbital, effective relaxation times of similar to 90 fs have been found. This effective decay time is similar to that rece ntly observed for optically excited states in Pt-3(-). The data reveal stro ng evidence for fast electron relnuation within the non-thermally excited e lectron system of small transition metal clusters, similar to those observe d in bulk metals. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.