Atomic theory of electron energy loss from transition metal oxides

Low-energy electron energy loss (LE-EELS) spectra have been calculated by a generalization of R-matrix methods to solid state systems. The scattering processes involved in LE-EELS can be explained by an atomic model. The contribution of exchange scattering in the calculated loss spectra is important over a large energy range of incident electron energies and is comparable in strength with direct scattering. The ratio of spin-flip to nonflip intensity in LE-EELS depends on the magnetic structure of the target, the type of transition involved (triplet-triplet or triplet-singlet), and the scattering geometry.