The Use of Quantum Groups in Nuclear Structure Problems

Various applications of quantum algebraic techniques in nuclear structure physics, such as the su$_q$(2) rotator model and its extensions, the use of deformed bosons in the description of pairing correlations, and the construction of deformed exactly soluble models (Interacting Boson Model, Moszkowski model) are briefly reviewed. Emphasis is put in the study of the symmetries of the anisotropic quantum harmonic oscillator with rational ratios of frequencies, which underly the structure of superdeformed and hyperdeformed nuclei, the Bloch--Brink $\alpha$-cluster model and possibly the shell structure in deformed atomic clusters.