Electronic structure and dynamics of confined atoms.

Confined atomic systems are of great importance owing a multitude of possible applications in various areas of science and technology. Of particular interest are atoms encaged in the C 60 molecule, A @ C 60 , since the near-spherical symmetry of C 60 simplifies theoretical studies, and the stability of C 60 renders it amenable to experimental examination. A review of investigations of the electronic structure and dynamics of A @ C 60 is presented in this manuscript focusing on developments in the last decade. Addressed mainly are how the confinement affects electronic structure properties such as ionization potentials, localization of atomic electrons, Shannon entropy, correlation effects, relativistic interactions, and others. In the area of dynamics, photoionization and e- A @ C 60 scattering are reviewed and summarized, and the major effects of confinement on the dynamical properties, e.g., confinement resonances, hybridization, Wigner time delay, are delineated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]