Observation of a 1/t decay law for hot clusters and molecules in a storagering - art. no. 123401

The exponential law is valid both for decay from a single quantum state int o a continuum and for an ensemble maintained in thermal equilibrium. For st atistical decay of an ensemble of isolated systems with a broad energy dist ribution, the exponential decay is replaced by a 1/t distribution. We prese nt confirmation of this decay law by experiments with cluster anions in a s mall electrostatic storage ring. Deviations from the 1/t law for such an en semble give important information on the dynamics of the systems. As exampl es, we present measurements revealing strong radiative cooling of anions of both metal clusters and fullerenes.