ATOMIC CLUSTERS AND NANOSTRUCTURES

The quasi-classical theoretical description of matter aggregation and solid-state cohesion at atomic level is briefly presented in connection with its multiple applications to atomic clusters and nanostructures. The formation of isolated atomic clusters of up to 160 atoms is presented and characterized with respect to geometric forms, atomic positions, inter-atomic distances, ground-states and isomers, binding energies, magic numbers, vibration spectra, and the derivation of single-particle properties is outlined, within the point-like ions approximation. The surface of a semi-infinite solid is characterized within the same approach, and the formation of clusters deposited on surfaces is described, with regard to similar physical and chemical information. Peculiar nanostructures are also presented, as resulted from computation processes, as an indication of the large variety of possible nanostructured forms. The extension of the theoretical tools to more complex situations, in particular to directional bonds and quantum corrections, is also discussed.