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Theory of inelastic lifetimes of surface-state electrons and holes at metal surfaces

J M Pitarke1,2,3 and M G Vergniory2,4

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After the early suggestion by John Pendry (1980 Phys. Rev. Lett. 45 1356) to probe unoccupied bands at surfaces through the time reversal of the photoemission process, the inverse-photoemission technique yielded the first conclusive experimental evidence for the existence of image-potential bound states at metal surfaces and has led, over the last two decades, to an active area of research in condensed-matter and surface physics. Here we describe the current status of the many-body theory of inelastic lifetimes of these image-potential states and also the Shockley surface states that exist near the Fermi level in the projected bulk band gap of simple and noble metals. New calculations of the self-energy and lifetime of surface states on Au surfaces are presented as well, using the GWΓ approximation of many-body theory.


PACS

73.20.At Surface states, band structure, electron density of states

78.70.-g Interactions of particles and radiation with matter

79.60.Bm Clean metal, semiconductor, and insulator surfaces

Subjects

Condensed matter: electrical, magnetic and optical

Surfaces, interfaces and thin films

Dates

Issue 30 (30 July 2008)

Received 25 March 2008, in final form 23 April 2008

Published 8 July 2008



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