Momentum-Transfer Model of Valence-Band Photoelectron Diffraction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a momentum-transfer model for valence-band photoelectron diffraction that accurately predicts interference patterns in angle-resolved X-ray photoemission, enhancing understanding of electronic structures without real-space localization assumptions.

Contribution

The novel model accounts for photon momentum transfer in k-space, providing a rigorous, assumption-free approach to valence-band photoelectron diffraction analysis.

Findings

Observed strong local intensity enhancements up to 5 times.

Predicted diffraction interference regions using a k-space Ewald-like construction.

Demonstrated the model's applicability to itinerant band states without localization assumptions.

Abstract

Owing to strongly enhanced bulk sensitivity, angle- or momentum-resolved photoemission using X-rays is an emergent powerful tool for electronic structure mapping. A novel full-field k-imaging method with time-of-flight energy detection allowed rapid recording of 4D (EB,k) data arrays (EB binding energy; k final-state electron momentum) in the photon-energy range of 400-1700eV. Arrays for the d-band complex of several transition metals (Mo, W, Re, Ir) reveal numerous spots of strong local intensity enhancement up to a factor of 5. The enhancement is confined to small (EB,k)-regions (dk down to 0.01 A-1; dEB down to 200 meV) and is a fingerprint of valence-band photoelectron diffraction. Regions of constructive interference in the (EB,k)-scheme can be predicted in a manner resembling the Ewald construction. A key factor is the transfer of photon momentum to the electron, which breaks the symmetry and causes a rigid shift of the final-state energy isosphere. Working rigorously in k-space, our model does not need to assume a localization in real space, but works for itinerant band states without any assumptions or restrictions. The role of momentum conservation in Fermi's Golden Rule at X-ray energies is revealed in a graphical, intuitive way. The results are relevant for the emerging field of time-resolved photoelectron diffraction and can be combined with standing-wave excitation to gain element sensitivity.