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
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