Atomic Clusters Theory Experiments

The emergence and spectacularly rapid evolution of the field of atomic and molecular clusters are among the most exciting developments in the recent history of natural sciences. The field of clusters expands into the traditional disciplines of physics, chemistry, materials science, and biology, yet in many respects it forms a cognition area of its own. This book presents a cross section of theoretical approaches and their applications in studies of different cluster systems. The contributions are written by experts in the respective areas. The systems discussed range from weakly (van der Waals) bonded, through hydrogen- and covalently bonded, to semiconductor and metallic clusters. The theoretical approaches involve high-level electronic structure computations, more approximate electronic structure treatments, use of semiempirical potentials, dynamical and statistical analyses, and illustrate the utility of both classical and quantum mechanical concepts.

Clusters of Atoms and Molecules I is devoted to theoretical concepts and experimental techniques important in the rapidly expanding field of cluster science. Cluster properties are dicussed for clusters composed of alkali metals, semiconductors, transition metals, carbon, oxides and halides of alkali metals, rare gases, and neutral molecules. The book contains several well-integrated treatments, all prepared by experts. Each contribution starts out as simple as possible and ends with the latest results, so that the book can serve as a text for a course, an introduction into the field, or as a reference book for the expert.

The papers collected in this volume in honor of the late Stanisław Kielich cover an impressive range of modern subjects in molecular science. These subjects include, among others, the nonlinear optics of molecules, new approaches to the electronic structure of large molecules, the properties of carbon nanotubes, fluorescence polarization spectroscopy, computational studies of systems of fundamental interest to collision-induced spectroscopy, the simulation of fluids, NLO materials, chemical bonding in complex molecules, the NLO properties of functionalized DNA and the magnetic properties of molecular assemblies. Written by eminent specialists, the papers should offer valuable guidance to a wide community of graduate students and researchers.

Atomic Clusters with Unusual Structure, Bonding and Reactivity: Theoretical Approaches, Computational Assessment and Applications reviews the latest computational tools and approaches available for accurately assessing the properties of a cluster, while also highlighting how such clusters can be adapted and utilized for the development of novel materials and applications. Sections provide an introduction to the computational methods used to obtain global minima for clusters and effectively analyze bonds, outline experimental approaches to produce clusters, discuss specific applications, and explore cluster reactivity and usage across a number of fields.Drawing on the knowledge of its expert editors and contributors, this book provides a detailed guide to ascertaining the stability, bonding and properties of atomic clusters. Atomic clusters, which exhibit unusual properties, offer huge potential as building blocks for new materials and novel applications, but understanding their properties, stability and bonding is essential in order to accurately understand, characterize and manipulate them for further use. Searching for the most stable geometry of a given cluster is difficult and becomes even more so for clusters of medium and large sizes, where the number of possible isomers sharply increase, hence this book provides a unique and comprehensive approach to the topic and available techniques and applications. Introduces readers to the vast structural and bonding diversity that clusters show and reflects on their potential for novel application and material development Highlights the latest computational methods and theoretical tools available for identification of the most stable isomers and accurate analysis of bonding in the clusters Focuses on clusters which violate the rules established in traditional chemistry and exhibit unusual structure, bonding and reactivity

- The first book covering a broad range of physical and chemical problems of atomic cluster physics in the context of physics of atomic and molecular collisions bull; Contains contributions from leading experts in the field bull; Considers both free and supported cluster systems bull; Provides both a general introduction to the field and describes its very recent developments -- ideal for graduate and post-graduate students new to the area as well as specialists in atomic cluster physics bull; Useful for comprehensive lecture courses in quantum mechanics, condensed matter physics and other courses in which complex finite systems like atoic clusters are relevant