A semi-classical theory of magnetic inelastic scattering in transmission electron energy loss spectroscopy

Mendis, B.G.

Abstract

The feasibility of detecting magnetic excitations using monochromated electron energy loss spectroscopy in the transmission electron microscope is examined. Inelastic scattering cross-sections are derived using a semi-classical electrodynamic model, and applied to AC magnetic susceptibility measurements and magnon characterization. Consideration is given to electron probes with a magnetic moment, such as vortex beams, where additional inelastic scattering can take place due to the change in magnetic potential energy of the incident electron in a non-uniform magnetic field. This so-called ‘Stern-Gerlach’ energy loss can be used to enhance the strength of the scattering by increasing the orbital angular momentum of the vortex beam, and enables separation of magnetic from non-magnetic (i.e. dielectric) energy losses, thus providing a promising experimental route for detecting magnons. AC magnetic susceptibility measurements are however not feasible using Stern-Gerlach energy losses for a vortex beam.

Citation

Mendis, B. (2021). A semi-classical theory of magnetic inelastic scattering in transmission electron energy loss spectroscopy. Ultramicroscopy, 230, Article 113390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2021.113390

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 9, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Sep 13, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Deposit Date: Sep 21, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 14, 2023
• Journal: Ultramicroscopy
• Print ISSN: 0304-3991
• Electronic ISSN: 1879-2723
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 230
• Article Number: 113390
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2021.113390
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1240318