Electron slowing-down spectra in aluminum metal

Abstract

We have studied theoretically the energy distribution of electrons generated in solid aluminum by uniformly distributed electron sources of various energies. Inelastic cross sections for energy loss and secondary electron creation are inferred from the electron-gas model for those electrons which are in the conduction band. Inner-shell excitations are treated using atomic models. Slowing-down spectra are computed for several monoenergetic sources and for $\ensuremath{\beta}$ particles from the decay of radioactive $^{198}\mathrm{Au}$. Comparison with experimental data is made.