Surface Lattice Strain and the Electronic Structure of Thin Mercury Overlayers

Abstract

AbstractThe stress in the surface of a thin (0–10 monolayer) film of mercury can be relieved by either changing the substrate and consequently changing adlayer lattice constants or by growing thicker films. An empirical relationship between strain and the valence electronic structure of mercury overlayers can be demonstrated, though we present evidence that this relationship can be altered and destroyed by crystallography changes.