Electronic Structure and Dynamics of Quantum-Well States in thin Yb-Metal Films

TL;DR

This study investigates quantum-well states in thin Yb(111) films on W(110) using low-temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopy, revealing localized states, bulk-band dispersion, and Fermi-liquid behavior of quasiparticle lifetimes.

Contribution

It provides a detailed experimental analysis of quantum-well states in Yb-metal films, including spectral characterization and lifetime measurements, advancing understanding of their electronic structure.

Findings

Quantum-well states are highly localized and produce sharp spectral peaks.

Bulk-band dispersion in the Gamma-L direction was quantitatively determined.

Quasiparticle lifetimes follow a quadratic energy dependence consistent with Fermi-liquid theory.

Abstract

Quantum-well states above the Fermi energy in thin Yb(111)-metal films deposited on a W(110) single crystal were studied by low-temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopy. These states are laterally highly localized and give rise to sharp peaks in the tunneling spectra. A quantitative analysis of the spectra yields the bulk-band dispersion in Gamma - L direction as well as quasi-particle lifetimes. The quadratic energy dependence of the lifetimes is in quantitative agreement with Fermi-liquid theory.