Mean free path of inelastic electron scattering in elemental solids and oxides using transmission electron microscopy: Atomic number dependent oscillatory behavior

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 2008 · Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.77.104102· OSTI ID:21143100

Iakoubovskii, Konstantin; Mitsuishi, Kazutaka; Nakayama, Yoshiko; Furuya, Kazuo ^[1]

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1. Quantum Dot Research Center, National Institute for Materials Science, 3-13 Sakura, Tsukuba 305-0005 (Japan)

Mean free path of inelastic electron scattering {lambda} has been measured with a 200 keV transmission electron microscope for the majority of stable elemental solids and their oxides. An oscillating behavior vs atomic number Z has been revealed, such that within one row of the Periodic Table, the minimum (maximum) of {lambda} is observed for elements with completed (empty) outer d shells. A significantly weaker {lambda}(Z) dependence is observed for the oxides. The {lambda}(Z) variation is ascribed to the three major factors: atomic density, number of 'free' electrons per atom, and contribution of atomic core-loss transitions.

• OSTI ID: 21143100
• Journal Information: Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Vol. 77, Issue 10; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.77.104102; (c) 2008 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1098-0121
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ATOMIC NUMBER
ATOMS
CARRIERS
DENSITY
ELECTRON BEAMS
INELASTIC SCATTERING
KEV RANGE 100-1000
LOSSES
MEAN FREE PATH
OSCILLATIONS
OXIDES
PERIODIC SYSTEM
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
SOLIDS
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY