The valence band of free K clusters studied by photoelectron and Auger spectroscopies

• The valence states of free neutral potassium clusters produced by a gas aggregation source were probed by synchrotron radiation based photoelectron spectroscopy. The first ionization energy (IE) of the clusters was determined to be 10% larger than the work function of bulk potassium. Using electrostatic concepts and the IE, the mean size of the clusters was estimated to be ≈2000 atoms. Further information about the valence band was provided by investigation of the Auger process initiated by the ionization of the 3p level with a subsequent emission of an Auger electron from the valence band (M2,3VV). Plasmon satellites were observed in Auger spectra of free metal clusters.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Atom- och molekylfysik och optik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

36.40.-c Atomic and molecular clusters

73.22.-f Electronic structure of nanoscale materials

clusters

nanoparticles

nanotubes

nanocrystals

79.60.-i Photoemission and photoelectron spectra

Physics

Fysik

73.22.-f Electronic structure of nanoscale materia

36.40.-c Atomic and molecular clusters

79.60.-i Photoemission and photoelectron spectra

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)