Investigation of metal cluster layers by EELS

Abstract

Abstract. 2014 The physical properties of small metal particles reveal an intermediate position between atomic and bulk material. Especially Ag has shown pronounced size effects. We compared homogeneous silver layers with cluster layers of small silver particles with diameters of about 50 nm deposited on thin Pioloform foils, respectively. The EELS spectra of the particles seem to be different in the low loss region from the spectra of homogeneous Ag layers. This can be attributed to the influence of the carbon foil and the packing density of the particles. Investigations of Sn particles on Pioloform foils were performed to obtain additional information. Furthermore, we studied the optical behavior of different layers of Ag by Photoacoustic Spectroscopy. For particles, the plasma resonance of conduction electrons gives rise to an absorption peak, which shifts towards longer wavelengths for increasing packing density.