INVITATION
to a TALK by
Klavs Hansen
Prof.
Center for Joint Quantum Studies, School of Science, Tianjin
University
Shells, Subshells and Supershells in Metal Clusters
Wednesday, August 5th 2026, 14:00 h
Location: Ernst Mach Lecture Hall, 2nd floor, Boltzmanngasse 5
Hosted by: Markus Arndt
Abstract:
Metal clusters are hosts to a number of phenomena specific to finite systems and delocalized valence electrons. Shell structure is one of these, appearing with a striking signature in mass abundance spectra of several metal clusters. Arising from the quantization of the motion of the valence electrons in the approximately spherical volume of the cluster, this shell structure has strong parallels to nuclear shell structure.
In clusters, however, it can be studied without the size limitations inherent to nuclei. In particular, clusters allow the observation of the supershell phenomenon.
In the talk I will describe the origin of shells and supershells in a heuristic and semiclassical picture. Experimental evidence for the phenomenon will be presented.
