Row structure in metal-induced Si(111) surface reconstructions

We demonstrate that quantum size effects play a crucial role in the row str ucture of metal-induced Si(111) reconstruction by identifying the 'magic' w idths of the metal adsorbates with the minima of electron energy as a funct ion of adsorbate width. Without any adjustable parameters, we obtain accura te agreement with all recent results for Si(111)-4 x 1-In and Si(111)-3 x 1 -M (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Ag) structures. This new and simple physical picture of electron energies in metal adsorbates provides a universal quantitative model for describing the row structures of metal-induced Si(111) surface r econstructions. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.