Dynamics of clusters and molecules in contact with an environment

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent theoretical studies on the dynamics of metal clusters interacting with environments like surfaces and substrates, focusing on deposition and laser irradiation effects.

Contribution

It introduces new theoretical insights into cluster-environment interactions, specifically addressing different substrate types and their influence on cluster dynamics.

Findings

Na clusters on MgO(001) surface exhibit specific dynamical behaviors.

Na clusters in/on Ar substrates show distinct interaction patterns.

Environmental properties significantly affect cluster dynamics.

Abstract

We present recent theoretical investigations on the dynamics of metal clusters in contact with an environment, deposited of embedded. This concerns soft deposition as well as irradiation of the deposited/embedded clusters by intense laser pulses. We discuss examples of applications for two typical test cases, Na clusters deposited on MgO(001) surface and Na clusters in/on Ar substrate. Both environments are insulators with sizeable polarizability. They differ in their geometrical and mechanical properties.