Radiative transition mechanisms in metal clusters

Experimental data on the absorption of radiation by cold lithium, potassium , and silver clusters and on the emission of radiation by hot niobium and t ungsten clusters are analyzed within the scope of two interpretive schemes of radiative transitions in clusters. The first scheme comprises plasmon mo del of light absorption by valence electrons of metal clusters. The second scheme treats radiative transitions in metal clusters as transitions of val ence electrons interacting with surrounding electrons and atomic cores. The experimental data exhibit better agreement with the second interpretation. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7761(99)00212-7].