Quantum properties of nanoscale metallic Li colloids formed by electron irradiation in LiF

We present experimental results on the nucleation of nanoscale metallic lithium colloids, of well-controlled diameter (2–5 nm), in MeV electron-irradiated LiF single crystals. Conduction electron spin resonance experiments show a clear-cut quantum effect in these colloids: the spin susceptibility follows a mixed Curie–Pauli law, characteristic for tiny metallic particles in which the mean level spacing is comparable to kT. The behavior of the spin relaxation times (T1 and T2) is presented and a discussion of quantum size effect in small metallic particles is proposed.