Abstract
Cryogenic cluster beam experiments have provided crucial insights into the evolution of the metallic state from the atom to the bulk. Surprisingly, one of the most fundamental metallic properties, the ability of a metal to efficiently screen electric fields, is still poorly understood in small clusters. Theory has predicted that many small Na clusters are unable to screen charge inhomogeneities and thus have permanent dipole moments. High precision electric deflection experiments on cryogenically cooled Na(N) (N<200) clusters show that the electric dipole moments are at least an order of magnitude smaller than predicted, and are consistent with zero, as expected for a metal. The polarizabilities of Na clusters also show metal sphere behavior, with fine size oscillations caused by the shell structure.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.