Physics of Nanoclusters
3 ECTS Credits
Atomic nanoclusters are among the main objects of nanotechnology. Understanding of their formation
rules and connection of atomic and electronic structure with the observed properties is a key starting
point for the following design of new advanced nanomaterials.
The goal of the course “Physics of nanoclusters” is to give students the comprehensive background in
the field of nanoclusters properties connected to quantum size effects as well as to introduce main
theoretical and modern experimental tools for the study of nanoclusters.
The course covers the following main topics:
 Basic concepts and definitions
 Correlations of atomic and electronic structure with observed physical properties of
nanoclusters
 Theoretical methods for the analysis of nanocluster atomic and electronic structure
 Experimental techniques for the study of nanocluster atomic and electronic structure
Syllabus
1. Introduction
Quantum size effect
Atomic structure of nanoclusters
2. Theoretical methods for the analysis of nanocluster atomic and electronic structure
Molecular dynamics
Quantum chemistry approaches
Real space methods
Band structure (k-space) methods
3. Experimental techniques for the study of nanocluster atomic, electronic and magnetic
structure
Mass spectroscopy
XPS (UPS) spectroscopy
Electron microscopy (HRTEM, EELS, LEED)
XAFS spectroscopy
XMCD spectroscopy
4. Rare-gas clusters
Synthesis
Bonding and electronic structure
Charged clusters
5. Metal clusters
Synthesis
Structure variation vs size
Metal-insulator transition
Magnetic properties
6. Semiconductor clusters
Synthesis
Carbon clusters
Silicon clusters
Compound clusters
7. Ionic clusters
Synthesis.
Alkali Halide clusters
Metal oxide clusters
Metal chalcogenide clusters
8. Molecular clusters
Synthesis
Water clusters
Solvent – solute clusters
9. Applications of nanoclusters
Nanoelectronics
Spintronics
Catalysis
Medical drugs
Nanophotonics
Tribology