METALLIC CLUSTERS DEPOSITED ON SURFACES

The quasi-classical theory of matter aggregation is briefly reviewed and the guiding principles of formation of the atomic clusters are discussed. The interaction potential of a metallic ion with a semi-infinite solid exhibiting a free plane surface is derived and atomic clusters deposited on surfaces are constructed. Binding energies, ground-states, magic geometries, isomers, interatomic distances, vibration spectra and monolayers are thus obtained, and further developments are outlined.