Nuclear physics parallels in atomic cluster physics

This paper considers some examples of physical phenomena, manifesting themselves in electron scattering on atomic clusters, which are analogous with those known from nuclear physics. It is demonstrated that the electron diffraction plays an important role in the formation of both elastic and inelastic electron scattering cross sections. The essential role of the multipole plasmon excitations in the formation of electron energy loss spectra on clusters is elucidated. The main emphasis in the paper is laid on electron scattering on fullerenes and metal clusters, however, results are applicable to some extent to other types of clusters as well. (author)