Effect of Sodium Atom Adsorption on the Electronic Structure of a Gold Film

Abstract

The electronic structure of a gold film deposited on W was studied during the adsorption of sodium atoms. An analysis of the photoemission spectra from the valence band and core levels of Au 4f and Na 2p upon synchrotron excitation in the photon energy range of 80-600 eV showed that Na adsorption leads to the formation of NaxAuy intermetallic compounds of various stoichiometry under the Na monolayer. Keywords: adsorption, sodium, gold, intermetallic compound.