Effect on Properties of Reduced Size and Dimensions.

摘要

In this chapter we review how material properties change as one starts with single atoms and brings them together to form a bulk or vice versa. The most dramatic changes occur at small sizes, and since developments in experimental techniques are giving hope that it may soon be possible to assemble materials composed of very small particles, we include small clusters in our discussion. It is difficult to review all the areas in a single chapter, but I will take selected examples to illustrate how the geometrical arrangements and thermal, electronic, and magnetic properties change as size or dimension changes. As I will show, the magnetic properties are the ones that are most affected by the change in size and present several new features. They are also the ones with potential for numerous applications. I therefore place extra emphasis on novel phenomena in the area of magnetism.