Angular distribution of the surface excitation probability for medium-energy electrons backscattered from a polycrystalline Au surface

Reflection electron energy-loss spectra have been measured for medium-energ y electrons backscattered from a polycrystalline Au surface for emission an gles between 15 and 90 degrees with respect to the surface normal as well a s for incidence angles in the same range. The surface excitation parameter (SEP) was extracted from each spectrum by fitting the raw data to theory an d determining the ratio of the first surface loss peak to the elastic peak intensity. Both the energy and angular dependence of the SEP can be describ ed by free electron theory when the electron momentum is rescaled by a mate rial-dependent parameter allowing the SEP in Au to be predicted for medium energies and arbitrary geometries. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Lt d.