Abstract
Mean free path of inelastic electron scattering has been measured with a transmission electron microscope for the majority of stable elemental solids and their oxides. An oscillating behavior vs atomic number has been revealed, such that within one row of the Periodic Table, the minimum (maximum) of is observed for elements with completed (empty) outer shells. A significantly weaker dependence is observed for the oxides. The variation is ascribed to the three major factors: atomic density, number of “free” electrons per atom, and contribution of atomic core-loss transitions.
- Received 7 January 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.77.104102
©2008 American Physical Society