Evolution of the Electronic Properties of Sn-n Clusters (n=4-45) and the Semiconductor-to-Metal Transition
The electronic structure of Snn - clusters _n=4–45_ was examined using photoelectron spectroscopy at photon energies of 6.424 eV _193 nm_ and 4.661 eV _266 nm_ to probe the semiconductor-to-metal transition. Well resolved photoelectron spectra were obtained for small Snn -clusters _n_25_, whereas more congested spectra were observed with increasing cluster size. A distinct energy gap was observed in the photoelectron spectra of Snn - clusters with n_41, suggesting the semiconductor nature of small neutral tin clusters. For Snn - clusters with n_42, the photoelectron spectra became continuous and no well-defined energy gap was observed, indicating the onset of metallic behavior for the large Snn clusters. The photoelectron spectra thus revealed a distinct semiconductor-to-metal transition for Snn clusters at n=42.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States). Environmental Molecular Sciences Lab. (EMSL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 909230
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-54883; JCPSA6; 25099a; KP1704020; TRN: US0703845
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol. 126, Issue 6; ISSN 0021-9606
- Publisher:
- American Institute of Physics (AIP)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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