  Properties of low-energy (infra-red) quadrupole modes (LEQM) of multipolarity
$+AFw-lambda+AFw-mu =$20, 21 and 22 in deformed sodium clusters are studied
within the Kohn-Sham LDA RPA approach. Possible manifestations of LEQM in
stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) reaction are discussed. It is shown
that, in free light clusters, where the low-energy spectrum is delute, LEQM can
be unambiguously identified as particular electron-hole pairs. This gives a
chance to reconstruct the mean field level scheme near the Fermi surface.
Moreover, due to the connection with electric $+AFw-lambda+AFw-mu =$21 mode,
the scissors mode can be detected. In heavy (supported) oblate clusters, LEQM
are in general rather involved. Nevertheless, some interesting
$+AFw-lambda+AFw-mu =$21 and 22 structures determined by specific deformation
effects can be resolved. The origin of the structures is discussed in detail.

Atomic and Molecular Clusters