Mesoscopic systems and quantum corrals

Mesoscopic systems are under intense theoretical and experimental development. New theoretical concepts are required which patch the statistical assumptions of random and incoherent systems to coherent quantum mechanics. The field is made even more compelling because of the potential for devices which are so small that quantum coherences and ballistic transport are important. We focus here on the quantum corral experiments involving Fe adatoms placed one at a time on the surface of Cu(111).