Quantum Size Effects in the Growth, Coarsening, and Properties of Ultra-thin Metal Films and Related Nanostructures

Abstract

This review addresses the quantum mechanical nature of the formation and stability of ultrathin metal lms. The competition between quantum connement, charge spilling eects, and Friedel oscillations determines whether an atomically smooth metal lm will be marginally, critically, or magically stable or totally unstable against roughening. Pb(111) lms represent a special case, not only because of strong quantum oscillations in the stability of two-dimensional thin lms but also because of the exceptionally fast coarsening of Pb nanoclusters. The latter appears to be due to the combined eects of size quantization and the existence of a unique mass exchange medium in the form of an unusually dense and highly dynamic wetting layer. The consequences of size quantization on the physical and chemical properties of the lms are profound, some of which will be highlighted in this review.