Spin-dependent scattering in transition metals

The spin-dependent electron inelastic mean free path (IMFP) in transition m etals is studied in the energy range 5-50 eV above the Fermi level. It is s hown that the spin-dependent IMFP is simply related to the number of holes in both d spin subbands, whatever the detail of the d-band structure. This analysis allows us to disentangle the different scattering channels. Many e xperimental determinations of the spin-dependent part of the electron scatt ering cross section, from several teams, are analyzed in the framework of t his model. The strong energy dependence of the exchange matrix element is c learly evidenced. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.