The term " nite Fermi systems" usually refers to systems where the fermionic nature of the constituents is of dominating importance but the nite spatial extent also cannot be ignored. Historically the prominent examples were atoms, molecules, and nuclei. These should be seen in contrast to solid-state systems, where an in nite extent is usually a good approximation. Recently, new and different types of nite Fermi systems have become important, most noticeably metallic clusters, quantum dots, fermion traps, and compact stars. The theoretical description of nite Fermi systems has a long tradition and dev- oped over decades from most simple models to highly elaborate methods of ma- body theory. In fact, nite Fermi systems are the most demanding ground for theory as one often does not have any symmetry to simplify classi cation and as a possibly large but always nite particle number requires to take into account all particles. In spite of the practical complexity, most methods rely on simple and basic schemes which can be well understood in simple test cases. We therefore felt it a timely undertaking to offer a comprehensive view of the underlying theoretical ideas and techniques used for the description of such s- tems across physical disciplines. The book demonstrates how theoretical can be successively re ned from the Fermi gas via external potential and mean- eld m- els to various techniques for dealing with residual interactions, while following the universality of such concepts like shells and magic numbers across the application elds.

Filling the need for a solid textbook, this short primer in cluster science is ideal for a one-semester lecture for advanced undergraduate students. It is based on a series of lectures given by the well-established and recognized authors for the past ten years. The book covers both the basics of the domain as well as up-to-date developments. It can be divided roughly into two parts. The first three chapters introduce basic concepts of cluster science. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction, complemented by chapter 2 on experimental and chapter 3 on theoretical aspects. The second half of the book is devoted to a systematic presentation of free cluster properties, and to a thorough discussion of the impact of clusters in other domains of science. These explicitly worked-out links between cluster physics and other research areas are unique both in terms of fundamental aspects and of applications, and cannot be found elsewhere in the literature. Also suitable for researchers outside of the field looking for an introduction to cluster science.

What do atomic nuclei, neutron stars, a domestic power supply, and the stunning colors of stained glass in cathedrals all have in common? The answer lies in the unifying concept of quantum fluids, which allows us to understand the behavior and properties of these different systems in simple terms. This book reveals how quantum mechanics, usually considered as restricted to the invisible microscopic world, in fact plays a crucial role at all scales of the universe. The purpose of the book is to introduce the reader to the fascinating and multifaceted world of quantum fluids, which covers different systems at different scales in the physical world. The first part of the book discusses the notion of phases (solid, liquid, gas), presents basic aspects of the structure of matter and quantum mechanics, and includes some elements of statistical mechanics. The second part provides a description of the major quantum liquids, starting with the paramount case of electron fluids and their many applications in everyday life, followed by liquid helium and atomic nuclei. The authors go on to explore matter at very high densities, covering nuclear matter and compact stars, and the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures, with the fascinating 'superphases' of superconductivity and superfluidity. The topic of quantum fluids has multidisciplinary applications and this book will appeal to students and researchers in physics, chemistry, astrophysics, engineering and materials science.

What do atomic nuclei, neutron stars, a domestic power supply, and the stunning colors of stained glass in cathedrals all have in common? The answer lies in the unifying concept of quantum fluids, which allows us to understand the behavior and properties of these different systems in simple terms. This book reveals how quantum mechanics, usually considered as restricted to the invisible microscopic world, in fact plays a crucial role at all scales of the universe. The purpose of the book is to introduce the reader to the fascinating and multifaceted world of quantum fluids, which covers different systems at different scales in the physical world. The first part of the book discusses the notion of phases (solid, liquid, gas), presents basic aspects of the structure of matter and quantum mechanics, and includes some elements of statistical mechanics. The second part provides a description of the major quantum liquids, starting with the paramount case of electron fluids and their many applications in everyday life, followed by liquid helium and atomic nuclei. The authors go on to explore matter at very high densities, covering nuclear matter and compact stars, and the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures, with the fascinating 'superphases' of superconductivity and superfluidity. The topic of quantum fluids has multidisciplinary applications and this book will appeal to students and researchers in physics, chemistry, astrophysics, engineering and materials science.

The term " nite Fermi systems" usually refers to systems where the fermionic nature of the constituents is of dominating importance but the nite spatial extent also cannot be ignored. Historically the prominent examples were atoms, molecules, and nuclei. These should be seen in contrast to solid-state systems, where an in nite extent is usually a good approximation. Recently, new and different types of nite Fermi systems have become important, most noticeably metallic clusters, quantum dots, fermion traps, and compact stars. The theoretical description of nite Fermi systems has a long tradition and dev- oped over decades from most simple models to highly elaborate methods of ma- body theory. In fact, nite Fermi systems are the most demanding ground for theory as one often does not have any symmetry to simplify classi cation and as a possibly large but always nite particle number requires to take into account all particles. In spite of the practical complexity, most methods rely on simple and basic schemes which can be well understood in simple test cases. We therefore felt it a timely undertaking to offer a comprehensive view of the underlying theoretical ideas and techniques used for the description of such s- tems across physical disciplines. The book demonstrates how theoretical can be successively re ned from the Fermi gas via external potential and mean- eld m- els to various techniques for dealing with residual interactions, while following the universality of such concepts like shells and magic numbers across the application elds.

Filling the need for a solid textbook, this short primer in cluster science is ideal for a one-semester lecture for advanced undergraduate students. It is based on a series of lectures given by the well-established and recognized authors for the past ten years. The book covers both the basics of the domain as well as up-to-date developments. It can be divided roughly into two parts. The first three chapters introduce basic concepts of cluster science. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction, complemented by chapter 2 on experimental and chapter 3 on theoretical aspects. The second half of the book is devoted to a systematic presentation of free cluster properties, and to a thorough discussion of the impact of clusters in other domains of science. These explicitly worked-out links between cluster physics and other research areas are unique both in terms of fundamental aspects and of applications, and cannot be found elsewhere in the literature. Also suitable for researchers outside of the field looking for an introduction to cluster science.