Role of collective modes in some surface properties of metals

Abstract

The theory of the solid state for unbounded bulk samples has, since the advent of quantum mechanics, reached a high degree of sophistication, and the knowledge of the properties of a wide range of solids is adequate for their extensive technological and industrial use. However, the theoretical explanation of many well known phenomena in terms of the electronic properties of solids is far from t complete, mainly because of the inherent mathematical difficulties incurred when the ubiquitous surface is introduced. Many properties associated with metal surfaces and interfaces, and of their interaction with external configurations of charges and polarisable molecules and atoms can be understood in terms of the characteristic collective oscillations (bulk and surface plasmons) of their valence or conduction electrons. The use of Bloch's hydrodynamic formalism has facilitated considerable understanding of the properties associated with metal surfaces, to which this thesis makes some further contribution.