This discussion examines cluster phase transitions and properties related to those phase transitions. Interpreted in terms of their potential energy surfaces, phase transitions in clusters of dielectric and metal atoms differ. Properties of aggregate states of dielectric clusters vary weakly as functions of temperature, and phase coexistence takes place in a range of conditions around the traditional melting point, where the solid and liquid phases have equal chemical potentials. On contrary, the configurational state of a solid metal cluster may well vary as it is heated, and the phase transition results, at least in part, from electronic coupling, as well as from changes in atomic configuration.

PACS: 36.40.Ei, 61.46.−w, 64.70.Hz (all) DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.0179.200902b.0147 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2009/2/b/ 000267067000002 2-s2.0-67849116073 2009PhyU...52..137B Citation: Berry R S, Smirnov B M "Phase transitions in various kinds of clusters" Phys. Usp. 52 137–164 (2009) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Берри Р С, Смирнов Б М «Фазовые переходы в кластерах различных типов» УФН 179 147–177 (2009); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0179.200902b.0147