Electron-Phonon Interaction and Localization of Surface-State Carriers in a Metallic Monolayer

Abstract

Temperature-dependent electron transport in a metallic surface superstructure, Si(111)sqrt[3] x sqrt[3]-Ag, was studied by a micro-four-point probe method and photoemission spectroscopy. The surface-state conductivity exhibits a sharp transition from metallic conduction to strong localization at approximately 150 K. The metallic regime is due to electron-phonon interaction while the localization seemingly originates from coherency of electron waves. Random potential variations, caused by Friedel oscillations of surface electrons around defects, likely induce strong carrier localization.