Theoretical and experimental developments in the determination of electron energy loss functions and inelastic mean free paths in elemental solids and binary compounds

Abstract

We present a new theoretical representation of the electron energy loss function in terms of partial plasmon poles. This representation allows the determination of electron inelastic mean free paths from a known optical spectrum without empirical fitting, and for the first time, with consistent fulfilment of optical sum rules. We compare the new theory to recent experimental determinations of the inelastic mean free path and demonstrate improved agreement.