Simple generalized oscillator strength density model applied to the simulation of keV electron-energy-loss distributions

Abstract

Monte Carlo calculations of keV electron-energy-loss distributions have been performed using a simple model of the generalized oscillator strength density to simulate inelastic collisions. The model, which rests partly on the use of empirical data (primarily the atomic mean ionization potential) expresses the generalized oscillator strength density as a sum of terms ( j) of the form [ fjδ(W−Wj), QWj] where W is energy transfer, fj and Wj ( j=1,2,3,...) are a sequence of oscillator strengths and resonance energies, respectively, and Q=ℏ2q2/2m, where ℏq is the momentum transfer and m the electron mass. Comparison is made with experimental results reported for 2an transmission through Al, and 7.3-keV internal conversion electrons transmitted through surface layers of Fe.