Quantum confinement effects in thin metal layers on the surface of single crystals and their analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a brief overview of the results of the studies of quantum confinement effects in thin layers of metals (Au, Ag) on the surface of refractory metals (W(110), Mo(110)) and d metals (Ni(111)) starting with submonolayer coverages up to a thickness of about ten monolayers, which are performed using angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. Series of experimental spectra of quantum-well electronic states and their variation with increasing thickness of the films for both sp and d valence states are presented. A theoretical analysis of the energies of forming quantum-well states is carried out in terms of the classical phase model and the extended phase model with the use of elements of the linear atomic chain approximation. It is shown that theoretical estimates agree well with experimental data.