Structure and binding in small neutral and cationic boron clusters

We have calculated, by means of ab initio techniques, the equilibrium geometries, total energies, binding energies, and fragmentation energies for the clusters Bₙ, with n=2--8, in both the neutral and cationic states. The ionization potentials for the neutral clusters have also been calculated. Electron correlation has been included through a perturbative approach. The results have been compared with previously available theoretical and experimental work.