Dynamic image potential at an Al(111) surface

Abstract

We evaluate the electronic self-energy Sigma(E) at an Al(111) surface using the GW space-time method. This self-energy automatically includes the image potential V_{im} not present in any local-density approximation for exchange and correlation. We solve the energy-dependent quasiparticle equations to obtain surface state wavefunctions, and calculate the effective local potential experienced by electrons in the near-surface region. We find that V_{im} for unoccupied states is due to correlation (not exchange). The image-plane position for interacting electrons is considerably closer to the surface than for the purely electrostatic effects felt by test charges, and, like its classical counterpart, is drawn inwards by the effects of atomic structure.