Molecular-dynamics simulations on cluster formation in compressed argon and xenon gases were performed, with use of a Lennard-Jones (6,12) potential together with Axilrod-Teller three-atom interactions and those of exchange type, applying results of a recent analysis of these three-body potentials [Phys. Rev. A 30, 1593 (1984)]. Selective stabilization of clusters ${\mathrm{Ar}}_{19}$, ${\mathrm{Xe}}_{13}$, and ${\mathrm{Xe}}_{19}$ (possibly also ${\mathrm{Xe}}_{25}$) was established, predominantly as a result of the three-atom exchange potential. It is conjectured that these exchange contributions, in combination with selective stability due to cluster ionization, explain the phenomena observed in time-of-flight mass spectroscopy experiments on rare-gas-atom clusters.

• Received 4 December 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.31.3565