Real-space Green’s function approach to resonant inelastic x-ray scattering

Abstract

We present an ab initio theory of core and valence resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) based on a real-space multiple-scattering Green's function formalism and a quasiboson model Hamiltonian. Simplifying assumptions are made that lead to an approximation of the RIXS spectrum in terms of a convolution of an effective x-ray absorption signal with the x-ray emission cross section. Additional many-body corrections are incorporated in terms of an effective energy-dependent spectral function. Example calculations of RIXS are found to give qualitative agreement with experimental data. Our approach also yields simulations of lifetime-broadening suppressed x-ray absorption, as observed in high-energy resolution fluorescence detection experiment. Finally, possible improvements to our approach are briefly discussed.