Quantum delocalization and cluster melting

Quantum effects on the cluster solid-liquid transition (CSLT) are studied by using the Fourier path integral Monte Carlo technique to simulate quantum Lennard-Jones clusters. Quantum delocalization effects are shown to induce a CSLT transition analogous to the thermal cluster melting transition. The CSLT should therefore be represented in terms of a two-dimensional phase diagram with the reduced temperature and the de Beer parameter indexing the relative magnitudes of thermal and quantum effects respectively. (C) 1995 American Institute of Physics.