STM and synchrotron radiation studies of prototypical metal/semiconductor systems

Since the origin of surface science noble metal/elemental semiconductor couples have been considered as ''prototypical'' systems. After three decades of research their structural and electronic properties remain an intriguing maze despite recent advances made, especially thanks to the development of the near-field microscopies and the ''tensive use of synchrotron radiation in surface crystallography and in high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy. In the last few years, lead, as a replacement inert metal, has nearly gained the pole position in the display of exotic behaviour. This paper gives a flavour of this mystery story and highlights some puzzling questions.