DESIGNING CLUSTERS AS SUPERELEMENTS

Atomic clusters formed by agglomeration of atoms constitute a new stat e of matter with novel properties which depend uniquely on their size, shape, dimensionality, and composition. If clusters could be designed in such a way that they can retain their structure when assembled int o a material form, it is possible to envision a new class of solids wi th clusters as building blocks. These cluster-assembled materials woul d exhibit rather uncommon properties, thus enlarging the frontiers of material science. Self-consistent calculations have been carried out t o study the effect of composition and geometry on the stability and re activity of clusters. An understanding of the role that atomic and ele ctronic structure play on cluster-cluster interaction would enable us to design cluster materials. This paper deals with the design guidelin es, as well as properties of cluster-assembled crystals. It is shown t hat clusters designed to mimic the properties of known atoms can be vi ewed as superelements and thus help extend the limits of the current p eriodic table.