SURFACE STUDIES BY CORE-EXCITATION REFLECTION ELECTRON ENERGY LOSS SPECTROSCOPY

Inelastic electron scattering in a reflection geometry is a useful alternative to synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption spectroscopy for inner-shell excitation studies of surfaces. This article reviews the current capabilities of reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy for core-excitation studies of the electronic and geometric structure of surfaces. Issues discussed include: momentum transfer dependence, comparison to X-ray techniques, orientational sensitivity, spatial and energy resolution, and technological applications. Examples of applications to clean surfaces, atomic and molecular adsorbates, and thin films are given.