We demonstrate the application of orbital $k$-space tomography for the analysis of the bonding occurring at metal-organic interfaces. Using angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, we probe the spatial structure of the highest occupied molecular orbital and the former lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of one monolayer 3, 4, 9, 10-perylene-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA) on Ag(110) and (111) surfaces and, in particular, the influence of the hybridization between the orbitals and the electronic states of the substrate. We are able to quantify and localize the substrate contribution to the LUMO and thus prove the metal-molecule hybrid character of this complex state.

• Received 22 January 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.233004