Electronic-structure-induced deformations of liquid metal clusters
Abstract
Ab initio molecular dynamics is used to study deformations of sodium clusters at temperatures
500⋯1100
K. Open-shell Na
14
cluster has two shape isomers, prolate and oblate, in the liquid state. The deformation is stabilized by opening a gap at the Fermi level. The closed-shell Na
8
remains magic also at the liquid state.