Photoelectron diffraction and surface science

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Abstract
Electron diffraction was discovered in 1927, but photoelectron diffraction (PD) had to wait for another 43 years, till 1970, before it was reported. In 1974 Liebsch put PD on a firm theoretical basis and also suggested that it could be used in determining the position of an adsorbed over layer with respect to the underlying substrate. Since then about 15 different over layer sub state systems have been successfully investigated by PD. The paper briefly discusses Liebsch's model and then describes, in some detail, the different experimental methods used in PD, stressing the similarities and differences with the related methods of LEED and SEXAFS. Several representative experimental results are presented and critically analysed. In the concluding paragraph the future prospect of PD is assessed. A list of acronyms is included.