Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy: A versatile tool for the investigations of plasmonic excitations

TL;DR

Electron energy-loss spectroscopy is a versatile and evolving technique for probing plasmonic excitations in materials, providing detailed insights into electron dynamics and interactions in metals.

Contribution

This review summarizes recent advancements in electron energy-loss spectrometers and demonstrates their application in studying plasmon dispersion and electron interactions.

Findings

Improved spectrometer resolution enhances plasmon detection.

Plasmon dispersion analysis reveals electron interaction complexities.

Technique enables detailed study of conduction electron behavior.

Abstract

The inelastic scattering of electrons is one route to study the vibrational and electronic properties of materials. Such experiments, also called electron energy-loss spectroscopy, are particularly useful for the investigation of the collective excitations in metals, the charge carrier plasmons. These plasmons are characterized by a specific dispersion (energy-momentum relationship), which contains information on the sometimes complex nature of the conduction electrons in topical materials. In this review we highlight the improvements of the electron energy-loss spectrometer in the last years, summarize current possibilities with this technique, and give examples where the investigation of the plasmon dispersion allows insight into the interplay of the conduction electrons with other degrees of freedom.