SPP 1153: Clusters at Surfaces: Electron Structure and Magnetism

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Experimental and theoretical investigations have shown that the electronic and magnetic properties of atomic clusters in the gas phase differ significantly from those of the respective bulk materials. Technical applications of clusters require deposition on supporting surfaces or embedding in a medium. The resulting system of clusters plus substrate or environment comprise new functional elements on the nanometer scale which makes them suitable for building new materials with tailored properties. Well-defined surfaces may serve as model systems to study the interactions of clusters with their environment. Presently, only few studies of such systems are available which, nevertheless, have demonstrated deviations of the electronic and geometrical properties of deposited clusters from those of the free species which vary from slight modification to complete change. This is the starting point of the Priority Programme: Activities of the surface science and cluster communities, separated up to now, are bundled to study electronics and magnetism of clusters. E.g., charge transport measurements through single clusters or clusters arrays can explore quantum effects and their possible interference with the nearby surface, which is an interesting issue for possible applications. Moreover, time-of-flight photoelectron spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation enables direct and detailed exploration of the electronic and spin structures of deposited clusters. Next, the chemical reactivity of mass-selected clusters is strongly connected to electronic features. Finally, there are several high-level theories which are very helpful in addressing these topics.The focus of the Priority Programme are electronic and magnetic properties of clusters that are governed by size and quantum effects. In particular, chemical, catalytic processes with large particles, lithographic preparation and growth processes on surfaces are not in the center of the programme.