Atomic Clusters as a Branch of Nuclear Physics

The conduction electrons in clusters of simple metal atoms are approximatively i
ndependent and free. Nucleons in nuclei also behave as delocalized
and independent fermions. This generic behavior generates analogies between
metal clusters and nuclei, such as the shell structure, the shapes,
and the dipole vibration mode. However, there are also major differences
that arise from the presence of ions in metal clusters. Fission of nuclei and
clusters, and particle emission from them, reveal these differences.