Softening the long-wavelength electromagnetic response of finite quantal systems

The long wavelength electromagnetic response of finite quantal systems depend on the spill-out of fermions from the surface of the system as well as on its deformation, as testified by the analysis of results obtained for fullerenes C60, C70, C90, C110 and C28Hn, as well as for alkali metal clusters, in particular Na8. Similar results are also found in the study of the electromagnetic response of atomic nuclei. © Springer-Verlag 1997.