Electronic structure and optical constants of Ni by electron inelastic scattering

Abstract

We have measured the electron energy-loss spectrum of polycrystalline Ni over the energy range 0 to 150 eV and have analyzed it to deduce the dielectric constant (real and imaginary parts) and various other optical properties. The latter are in reasonable agreement with direct measurements of the same quantities over narrower energy ranges. Peaks in the deduced optical conductivity, which is found to be very similar to that of Cu, can be understood with reference to calculated electron energy bands, though some discrepancies remain.