From Atomic Physics to Superatomic Physics

Atomic physics is a discipline that studies the structures, laws of motion, and interactions of atoms. Its research can be classified into different categories such as atomic structures and spectra, atomic Rydberg excitation, electron-atom scattering, and atom-light interaction. Compared with atoms, as complex molecular systems, superatoms are almost infinite in variety, showing a wealth of novel properties. However, an important factor hindering the development of superatoms is the lack of fundamental laws and systematic research strategies on them that limit their application. In this context, superatomic physics has been proposed. Its essence is to classify superatomic research like atomic research to understand the fundamental laws of superatoms. In this review, we first briefly summarize the development process from atomic physics to superatomic physics in a timeline. Then, by further introducing the progress including ourselves, the current superatomic research is classified into the design of structures, resolutions of controversial results, developments of functions, strategies of assembly, and other related explorations of physical properties. Finally, a paradigm transformation from structure to function is proposed. This work has the potential to bring developments to the field of superatoms.Graphical AbstractThe essence of proposed superatomic physics is to explore the physical laws of artificial elements at the atomic level and construct new physics tools. For this reason, the first task is to classify the exploration of superatoms with references of atomic physics, and carry out systemic research on superatomic structures and spectra, superatomic Rydberg excitation, electron-superatom scattering, and superatom-light interaction, etc. Moreover, compared with the elemental atoms in nature, the species of superatoms are nearly endless, which brings an important opportunity to realize the paradigm shift of scientific research from the structure-centered to the function-centered.