Ultrafast electron interactions in metal clusters

The recent extension of time-resolved femtosecond optical techniques to the investigation of the ultrafast electron scattering processes in metal clusters offers the unique possibility to follow their evolution from a bulk to a confined metal. The size dependent results obtained in model materials, the noble metals, are presented, focusing on the impact of the confinement on energy redistribution processes (electron–electron and electron–phonon coupling). Their application to the investigation of the acoustic vibration property of cluster and to the cluster-surrounding matrix energy transfers are also discussed. To cite this article: N. Del Fatti, F. Vallée, C. R. Physique 3 (2002) 365–380.