d-band quantum well states in ultrathin silver films on V(100)

We report an angle-resolved photoemission study of d-derived quantum well (QW) states in ultrathin silver films grown on V(100). Distinct d-derived QW states were observed for film thicknesses between 1 and 5 ML. Using a line shape analysis we conclude that for thicker films the d electrons are almost completely confined within the silver overlayer, suggesting a high reflectivity at the vanadium-silver interface. The energies of the QW states were found to be in good agreement with tight-binding calculations as well as with a phase accumulation model analysis. The calculations indicate a strong influence of the vanadium substrate on the energy of d-band QW states for the single-monolayer film.