Internal dynamics of atomic clusters

Robert L. Whetten, Mee Y. Hahn, K. E. Schriver

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The combined application of supersonic jet methods and laser spectroscopic techniques has created an outpouring of experimental studies of the internal dynamics of atomic clusters. This article reviews highlights of this work for the special case of metal atomic clusters. Examples include the dynamical Jahn-Teller effect in X3 systems (X = Na, Cu), and analogous effects (shape isomerization) in larger Group I clusters. Certain “magic” metal clusters with closed electron shells are of special interest, because semiclassical descriptions of their interatomic motions may be valid. Finally, we comment on the metal evaporative cooling processes, using analogies to ongoing molecular cluster work.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)137-142
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume742
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1987
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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