Peculiarities of cluster properties are considered and processes involving them discussed. Generation methods and applications in material fabrication are described. The kinetics of cluster growth in expanding vapor is analysed. The absorption and emission properties of clusters as systems of bound atoms are examined. The properties of a cluster plasma, i.e., a cluster-containing ionized gas, are discussed in relation to cluster light sources.

PACS: 36.40.Vz, 36.40.Wa, 61.46.+w, 85.42.+m (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU1997v040n11ABEH000305 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/1997/11/b/ 000071302300002 Citation: Smirnov B M "Processes in plasma and gases involving clusters" Phys. Usp. 40 1117–1147 (1997) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Смирнов Б М «Процессы в плазме и газах с участием кластеров» УФН 167 1169–1200 (1997); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0167.199711b.1169