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)Medline RefWorks RT Journal T1 Processes in plasma and gases involving clusters A1 Smirnov,B.M. PB Physics-Uspekhi PY 1997 FD 10 Nov, 1997 JF Physics-Uspekhi JO Phys. Usp. VO 40 IS 11 SP 1117-1147 DO 10.1070/PU1997v040n11ABEH000305 LK https://ufn.ru/en/articles/1997/11/b/ Оригинал: Смирнов Б М «Процессы в плазме и газах с участием кластеров» УФН 167 1169–1200 (1997); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0167.199711b.1169