Image potential states of supported metallic nanoislands

Abstract

Our theoretical study shows how well-resolved image potential states develop on metal-supported metallic nanoislands. The systems under consideration are one monolayer high Na nanoislands on the Cu(111) surface. However, the phenomenon is general and it requires only that the work function of the adsorbate is lower than that of the substrate, and that the substrate possesses a projected band gap along the surface normal.