We present density-functional results on the lifetime of the (111) surface
state of the noble metals. We consider scattering on the Fermi surface caused
by impurity atoms belonging to the 3d and 4sp series. The results are analyzed
with respect to film thickness and with respect to separation of scattering
into bulk or into surface states. While for impurities in the surface layer the
overall trends are similar to the long-known bulk-state scattering, for
adatom-induced scattering we find a surprising behavior with respect to the
adatom atomic number. A plateau emerges in the scattering rate of the 3d
adatoms, instead of a peak characteristic of the d resonance. Additionally, the
scattering rate of 4sp adatoms changes in a zig-zag pattern, contrary to a
smooth parabolic increase following Linde's rule that is observed in bulk. We
interpret these results in terms of the weaker charge-screening and of
interference effects induced by the lowering of symmetry at the surface