Electronic structure of small metal clusters: Thomas-Fermi statistical theory

Abstract

The electronic structure of small spherical metal clusters is studied by means of the Thomas-Fermi statistical method. An accurate analytic solution is obtained for the density distribution of the valence electrons and the single-electron potential. These results are used to calculate the sizes of particularly stable clusters (‘‘magic numbers’’) and to derive the size dependence of the ionization potential. Finally, it is predicted that spherical clusters will display greatly enhanced diamagnetism.