Cross Sections of Atoms for Elastic and Inelastic Scattering of Electrons

Abstract

Abstract The differential and integral cross sections for the elastic and inelastic scattering of electrons by atoms are discussed. The differential scattering cross section describes the angular distribution of the scattered electrons while the integral cross section is a measure of the fraction of the incoming electron current that is scattered. The dependence of the cross sections on scattering angle, electron energy, and atomic number of the scatterer is explained. It is discussed where the scattering cross sections enter into the theory of electron microscopical scattering absorption contrast and phase contrast. An expression for the cross section describing the probability for a displacement of an atom from its equilibrium position by momentum transfer is derived.