Physical and Chemical Properties of Large Metal and Semiconductor Clusters in View of Future Applications

Metal and semiconductor clusters in the nanometer size regime exhibit quantum size behavior which is demonstrated by means of scanning tunneling spectroscopy and scanning capacitance microscopy on single clusters. Cluster monolayers can be prepared by self-assembly processes on modified surfaces of substrates. Clusters in the channels of nanoporous alumina are promising candidates not only for a novel kind of cluster arrangement for future electronic applications but also for the easy generation of light emitting diodes.