Correlation and band structure effects in the electronic energy loss spectra of Al: an experimental perspective

Inelastic X-ray scattering measurements in aluminum are analyzed using firs t principles dynamical density response calculations including band structu re, Band structure effects are shown to be important; significant effects i nclude shifts of spectral features to lower energies and the presence of hi gh-energy tails, in addition to the much discussed energy gaps and zone-bou ndary collective states. These non-jellium characteristics must be consider ed in investigating exchange and correlation effects in simple metals. Publ ished by Elsevier Science Ltd.