The atomic and electronic structure of liquid metals is poorly understood because of the lack of long-range periodicity in liquids. In his Perspective, Petroff highlights the report by Baumberger et al., who have succeeded in measuring the band structure of a liquid layer of lead. The measurements were possible because the authors deposited the layer on a support that interferes minimally with the liquid lead. By measuring the band structure both for a liquid and for a solid lead layer, the authors gain insights into the detailed electronic properties of liquid lead.
Author: Yves Petroff