Low-energy electron energy loss (LE-EELS) spectra have been calculated
by a generalization of R-matrix methods to solid state systems. The s
cattering processes involved in LE-EELS can be explained by an atomic
model. The contribution of exchange scattering in the calculated loss
spectra is important over a large energy range of incident electron en
ergies and is comparable in strength with direct scattering. The ratio
of spin-flip to nonflip intensity in LE-EELS depends on the magnetic
structure of the target, the type of transition involved (triplet-trip
let or triplet-singlet), and the scattering geometry.