The European Physical Journal D Atomic, molecular and optical physics

Clusters are steadily growing in importance, both as the subjects of basic research covering the gap between single atoms and macroscopic condensed matter, and for material science as tools for the preparation of surfaces with specifically designed properties. The International Symposium on Small Particles and Inorganic Clusters (ISSPIC) have for a substantial number of years constituted the main forum for discussions of the most recent results in cluster physics and chemistry. The ninth symposium in the series, which took place in Lausanne in September 1998, was no exception to the trend. These proceedings reflect the diversity and the originality of the contributions presented at the symposium, and update the field right up to the latest developments.