DOS investigation of 3d transition metals by ionization loss spectroscopy

Abstract

Abstract The electron density of states (DOS) of solids is one of the most important properties which basically determines the behavior of materials. In addition, the DOS obtained by experimental methods can be used for the verification purpose of the theoretical model. A simple method has been developed in our laboratory, i.e. Ionization Loss Spectroscopy (ILS) for an unoccupied DOS measurement which can be done by existing Auger electron spectroscopy. The ILS spectra of 3d transition metals, Ti, Cr, Ni, Cu have been measured. The results of spin-orbit splitting and binding energy obtained by ILS are in good agreement with those of ESCA. The typical integral spectra exhibit a peak-like shape with different intensity, and width which reflects the width of the unoccupied DOS. Since there is no unoccupied DOS of the 3d band, the ILS spectrum of Cu measured is shown by a step-like structure resulting from the flat, narrow 4s band.