Removal of core hole distortion from ionization edges in electron energy loss spectroscopy

Mendis, B.G.; Ramasse, Q.M.

doi:10.1103/physrevb.103.205102

Removal of core hole distortion from ionization edges in electron energy loss spectroscopy

Mendis, B.G.; Ramasse, Q.M.

Authors

Dr Buddhika Mendis b.g.mendis@durham.ac.uk
Associate Professor

Q.M. Ramasse

Abstract

The near-edge fine structure in electron energy loss spectra is used to probe the electronic bonding environment of materials at high spatial resolution. Often, however, deviations from the ground state electronic properties are observed, due to the core hole created within the ionized atom. A method is proposed to remove core hole distortion from experimental electron energy loss spectra by calculating the electrodynamic work done in separating the moving, incident electron from the oppositely charged core hole. Dynamic screening of the core hole is modeled using the material dielectric properties. The resulting energy gain spectrum is deconvolved from the experimental measurement to give a “fully screened” spectrum that is free of core hole distortion. The method is tested on core loss edges in elemental Si, SiC, and SiO x . Despite assuming classical electrodynamics, the fundamental principle of an energy gain correction can be shown to be consistent with quantum mechanics, although shortcomings in some of the assumptions made on the nature of the core hole are also identified.

Citation

Mendis, B., & Ramasse, Q. (2021). Removal of core hole distortion from ionization edges in electron energy loss spectroscopy. Physical Review B, 103(20), Article 205102. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.103.205102

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Apr 20, 2021
Online Publication Date	May 3, 2021
Publication Date	2021
Deposit Date	May 4, 2021
Publicly Available Date	May 4, 2021
Journal	Physical Review B
Print ISSN	2469-9950
Electronic ISSN	2469-9969
Publisher	American Physical Society
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	103
Issue	20
Article Number	205102
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.103.205102

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Copyright Statement
Reprinted with permission from the American Physical Society: Mendis, B. G. & Ramasse, Q. M. (2021). Removal of core hole distortion from ionization edges in electron energy loss spectroscopy. Physical Review B 103(20): 205102 © 2021 by the American Physical Society. Readers may view, browse, and/or download material for temporary copying purposes only, provided these uses are for noncommercial personal purposes. Except as provided by law, this material may not be further reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, adapted, performed, displayed, published, or sold in whole or part, without prior written permission from the American Physical Society.