Dynamical phenomena including many body effects at metal surfaces

Abstract

In this contribution, we give a brief survey of some elementary many body processes observable at surfaces. We begin the survey by discussing how the electron ground state would behave and look like in real space at surfaces. Next, we discuss how these electrons behave when they are perturbed by external fields characterized by ultrashort time scales. We follow this with a discussion of how the dynamics of electrons would then affect the motion of adsorbates on surfaces. Finally, we cite some possible technological applications utilizing this knowledge. We also discuss possible trends or directions of scientific research in this century. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.