Use of spin-polarized electron-energy-loss spectroscopy to investigate dipole and impact scattering from transition-metal surfaces
- Department of Physics and the Rice Quantum Institute, Rice University, 6100 S. Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005 (United States)
Spin polarized electron-energy-loss spectra have been obtained from Ag(100), Cu(100), Mo(110) and unmagnetized Co(110) and Fe(100) surfaces, in both specular and off-specular scattering geometries, by use of a low-energy polarized incident beam coupled with energy- and angle-resolved spin analysis of the scattered electrons. The data are interpreted in terms of a model that takes account of both dipole and impact scattering. Dipole scattering preserves the full polarization of the incident beam, whereas the scattered electron polarization is degraded by electron exchange in impact-scattering events that produce electron-hole pair excitation in the target. It is found that dipole scattering dominates at noble-metal surfaces but that the impact- and dipole-scattering rates are comparable for targets with incompletely filled d shells. The data also suggest that impact scattering, like dipole scattering, tends to be concentrated in the specular direction. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
- OSTI ID:
- 503718
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter, Vol. 55, Issue 20; Other Information: PBD: May 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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