  Low-energy deposition of neutral Pd_N clusters (N=2-7 and 13) on a MgO(001)
surface F-center (FC) was studied by spin-density-functional molecular dynamics
simulations. The incident clusters are steered by an attractive "funnel"
created by the FC, resulting in adsorption of the cluster, with one of its
atoms bonded atop of the FC. The deposited Pd_2-Pd_6 clusters retain their
gas-phase structures, while for N>6 surface-commensurate isomers are
energetically more favorable. Adsorbed clusters with N > 3 are found to remain
magnetic at the surface.

Materials Science