Ultraviolet Photoelectron Yield Spectra of Thin Gold Films Measured in Air

Abstract

Ultraviolet photoelectron yield (UPY) spectra of gold evaporated on glass substrates were obtained in air. Photoelectron emission threshold energies E_t of the gold films were determined from the UPY spectra. The E_t values were greater for thinner films, indicating that the size of the deposited Au island is larger for thicker film. The size could be estimated from the E_t value. This method allows us to determine the Au film thickness of a few nanometers and the size of the small Au island without the need of high vacuum technology.