Phase coherence length and quantum interference patterns at step edges

TL;DR

This paper reveals that the common approximation for quantum interference patterns at steps is incorrect, leading to significant errors in electron lifetime measurements.

Contribution

It identifies a flaw in the standard approximation and demonstrates its impact on the accuracy of electron lifetime determinations.

Findings

The accepted approximation is shown to be incorrect.

Electron lifetimes are underestimated by a factor of 2.

Implications for interpreting quantum interference patterns at step edges.

Abstract

The accepted approximation used to describe quantum interference patterns at steps is shown to be incorrect. As a result, electron lifetimes determined using it are in error by a factor 2.