Relation between the shape of measured loss function and the resolution ofthe XPS spectrum

The loss function of Ag has been calculated using a 3d(3/2) and 3d(5/2) pai r of relatively high resolution XPS spectrum. The structure of the loss fun ction is in a good agreement with structures reported so far, except for th e existence of the smallest energy peak. It is demonstrated that the loss f unction thus obtained from a spectrum measured using a selected resolution can provide backgrounds for other spectra no matter at what resolution they were taken. Conversely, a question arises if it is possible to extract the same loss function directly from a very poorly resolved spectrum. The pres ent results show that, at least, some structure is indeed restored despite the increased numerical difficulty in finding the optimum solution. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.