  The phenomenon of super-radiance in quantum optics predicted by Dicke 50
years ago and observed experimentally has its counterparts in many-body systems
on the borderline between discrete spectrum and continuum. The interaction of
overlapping resonances through the continuum leads to the redistribution of
widths and creation of broad super-radiant states and long-lived compound
states. We explain the physics of super-radiance and discuss applications to
weakly bound nuclei, giant resonances and widths of exotic baryons.
