Image-potential-induced surface bands in insulators

Milton W. Cole, Morrel H. Cohen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

300 Scopus citations

Abstract

We find that whenever the bottom of the conduction band of an insulator lies at positive energy, the image potential gives rise to bands of surface states. We present lower limits for binding energies of electrons to the surface of liquid and solid He3, He4, Ne, H2, and D2. Interaction between electrons and surface phonons (solids) or ripplons (liquids) increases the binding. We argue that these states may have in fact been observed in liquid He4.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1238-1241
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume23
Issue number21
DOIs
StatePublished - 1969
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Image-potential-induced surface bands in insulators'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this