Molecules in nuclei

The possible existence of analogues of atomic molecules within nuclei is considered in the context of the neutron-rich beryllium and carbon isotopes, where the underlying a cluster structure is believed to produce a multi-centred potential in which valence neutrons move. The generation of molecular wave-functions is examined and the link with the deformed harmonic oscillator and the Nilsson single-particle level scheme traced. Experimental evidence for the existence of molecular exotic cluster structures is reviewed particularly the nature of spectroscopic information provided by break-up reaction measurements. (C) 2003 Academie des sciences. Published by Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.