Clusters in light nuclei: history and recent developments

Abstract In this review, we discuss recent advancements in the study of clustering phenomena occurring in light nuclei, and their influence on nuclear structure, dynamics, and astrophysics. In the introduction, we outline the historical steps leading to the concept of $$\alpha $$ α -clusterization in nuclei and provide a comprehensive description of the evolution of nuclear models capable to describe clustering aspects in nuclear systems and of the main experiments and discoveries leading to the development of this research field. We also describe some spectroscopic techniques that are used to establish the clustered nature of a given nuclear state. Some relevant experimental and theoretical findings recently reported both in experimental and theoretical works are discussed in the text. We put emphasis on recent achievements and remaining problems in the description of the structure of light isotopes, from helium to neon, including both self- and non-self-conjugate nuclei. Particular attention to the implication in the nuclear astrophysics context and to clustering effects in the dynamics of nuclear reactions is pursued all along the review.