Practical aspects of running the WIEN2k code for electron spectroscopy

Understanding the Anisotropy in the Electrical Conductivity of CuPtB-type Ordered GaInP Thin Films by Combining In Situ TEM Biasing and First Principles Calculations

In this work, the effect of CuPt_B ordering on the optoelectronic properties of Ga_0.5In_0.5P is studied by combining in situ transmission electron microscopy measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. GaInP layers were grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy with a CuPt_B single-variant-induced ordering due to the intentional misorientation of the Ge(001) substrate. Moreover, the degree of order was controlled using Sb as the surfactant without changing other growth parameters. The presence of antiphase ordered domain boundaries (APDBs) between the ordered domains is studied as a function of the order parameter. The in situ electrical measurements on a set of samples with controlled degree of order evidence a clear anisotropic electrical conductivity at the nanoscale between the [110] and [1-10] orientations, which is discussed in terms of the presence of APDBs as a function of the degree of order. Additionally, DFT calculations allow to determine the differences in the optoelectronic properties of the compound with and without ordering through the determination of the dielectric function. Finally, the anisotropy of the electrical conductivity for the ordered case is also discussed in terms of the effective mass calculated from the band structure on specific k-paths. By comparing the experimental measurements and the theoretical calculations, two factors have been presented as the main contributors of the electric conductivity anisotropy of CuPt_B-type ordered GaInP thin films: antiphase boundaries that separate domains with uniform order (APDBs) and the anisotropy of the effective mass due to the alternating of In/Ga rich planes.

Pressure-Driven Changes in the Electronic Bonding Environment of GeO2 Glass above Megabar Pressures

Noncrystalline oxides under pressure undergo gradual structural modifications, highlighted by the formation of a dense noncrystalline network topology. The nature of the densified networks and their electronic structures at high pressures may account for the mechanical hardening and the anomalous changes in electromagnetic properties. Despite its importance, direct probing of the electronic structures in amorphous oxides under compression above the Mbar pressure (>100 GPa) is currently lacking. Here, we report the observation of pressure-driven changes in electronic configurations and their delocalization around oxygen in glasses using inelastic X-ray scattering spectroscopy (IXS). In particular, the first O K-edge IXS spectra for compressed GeO₂ glass up to 148 GPa, the highest pressure ever reached in an experimental study of GeO₂ glass, reveal that the glass densification results from a progressive increase of oxygen proximity. While the triply coordinated oxygen ^[3]O is dominant below ∼50 GPa, the IXS spectra resolve multiple edge features that are unique to topologically disordered ^[4]O upon densification above 55 GPa. Topological compaction in GeO₂ glass above 100 GPa results in pronounced electronic delocalization, revealing the contribution from Ge d-orbitals to oxide densification. Strong correlations between the glass density and the electronic configurations beyond the Mbar conditions highlight the electronic origins of densification of heavy-metal-bearing oxide glasses. Current experimental breakthroughs shed light on the direct probing of the electronic density of states in high-Z oxides above 1 Mbar, offering prospects for studies on the pressure-driven changes in magnetism, superconductivity, and electronic transport properties in heavy-metal-bearing oxides under compression.

Simulated carbon K edge spectral database of organic molecules

Here we provide a database of simulated carbon K (C-K) edge core loss spectra of 117,340 symmetrically unique sites in 22,155 molecules with no more than eight non-hydrogen atoms (C, O, N, and F). Our database contains C-K edge spectra of each carbon site and those of molecules along with their excitation energies. Our database is useful for analyzing experimental spectrum and conducting spectrum informatics on organic materials.

Measurement(s)	electron energy loss spectroscopy
Technology Type(s)	density functional theory calculation
Factor Type(s)	organic molecules • carbon sites in a organic molecule

Chemical Information in the L3 X-ray Absorption Spectra of Molybdenum Compounds by High-Energy-Resolution Detection and Density Functional Theory

X-ray spectroscopy using high-energy-resolution fluorescence detection (HERFD) has critically increased the information content in X-ray spectra. We extend this technique to the tender X-ray range and present a study at the L₃-edge of molybdenum. We show how information on the oxidation state, phase composition, and local environment in molybdenum-based compounds can be obtained by analyzing the HERFD L₃ X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES). We demonstrate that the chemical shift of the L₃-edge HERFD spectra follows a parabolic dependence on the oxidation state and show that a qualitative analysis of high-resolution spectra can help to estimate parameters such as distortion of a ligand environment and radial order of atoms around the absorber. In certain cases, the spectra allow disentangling the contributions from bond lengths and angles to the distortion of the ligand polyhedron. Comparison of the high-resolution spectra with theoretical simulations shows that the single-electron approximation is able to reproduce the spectral shape. The results of this work may be useful in every branch of physics, inorganic and organometallic chemistry, catalysis, materials science, biochemistry, and mineralogy where observed changes in performance or chemical properties of Mo-based compounds, accompanied by small changes in spectral shape, are to be related to the details of electronic structure and local atomic environment.

Metallic line defect in wide-bandgap transparent perovskite BaSnO3

A line defect with metallic characteristics has been found in optically transparent BaSnO₃ perovskite thin films. The distinct atomic structure of the defect core, composed of Sn and O atoms, was visualized by atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). When doped with La, dopants that replace Ba atoms preferentially segregate to specific crystallographic sites adjacent to the line defect. The electronic structure of the line defect probed in STEM with electron energy-loss spectroscopy was supported by ab initio theory, which indicates the presence of Fermi level-crossing electronic bands that originate from defect core atoms. These metallic line defects also act as electron sinks attracting additional negative charges in these wide-bandgap BaSnO₃ films.

Core hole screened electron energy loss calculations of beam damaged lithium fluoride

A method of calculating the magnitude of the core hole screening of lithium materials is implemented for the simulation of Energy Loss Near Edge Structure (ELNES). ELNES is calculated for a range of lithium materials resulting in improved agreement between calculation and experiment. The technique uses linear response theory to relate the electron density to the core hole shielding contribution from the valence electrons in a crystal. This contribution is then implemented via a non-integer core hole in final state rule calculations.

Reliable Characterization of Organic & Pharmaceutical Compounds with High Resolution Monochromated EEL Spectroscopy

Organic and biological compounds (especially those related to the pharmaceutical industry) have always been of great interest for researchers due to their importance for the development of new drugs to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. As many new API (active pharmaceutical ingredients) and their polymorphs are in nanocrystalline or in amorphous form blended with amorphous polymeric matrix (known as amorphous solid dispersion—ASD), their structural identification and characterization at nm scale with conventional X-Ray/Raman/IR techniques becomes difficult. During any API synthesis/production or in the formulated drug product, impurities must be identified and characterized. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) at high energy resolution by transmission electron microscope (TEM) is expected to be a promising technique to screen and identify the different (organic) compounds used in a typical pharmaceutical or biological system and to detect any impurities present, if any, during the synthesis or formulation process. In this work, we propose the use of monochromated TEM-EELS, to analyze selected peptides and organic compounds and their polymorphs. In order to validate EELS for fingerprinting (in low loss/optical region) and by further correlation with advanced DFT, simulations were utilized.

Quantitative Analysis Method for Nitrogen Electron Energy-Loss Near-Edge Structures in Nanocarbons Based on Density Functional Theory Calculations and Linear Regression

Nonmetallic heteroatoms found in carbon nanomaterials act as active sites and exhibit excellent catalytic performance. Owing to structural complexity and the limitations of characterization technology, the identification of active sites in nanocarbon is challenging and controversial. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy is an electron microscope technique with high spatial resolution and a powerful tool for identifying the arrangement of heteroatoms. However, structural information regarding the configuration and distribution of heteroatoms is difficult to obtain using existing analytical methods. Herein, we have developed a method for the quantitative analysis of electron energy-loss near-edge structures to identify accurately nitrogen species in nanocarbon. Based on this approach, the relative amounts of nitrogen species were obtained from linear regression with calculated spectra. The concentration distribution of nanocarbon obtained by this method was consistent with the result of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis at different depths. Therefore, this fitting method can be used for the quantitative analysis of nitrogen K-edge structures. This provides a new strategy for studying the structure-activity relationships of carbon-based materials and the further design of custom nanocarbon catalysts with high active site densities.

Study of C K-Edge High Energy Resolution Energy-Loss Near-Edge Structures of Copper Phthalocyanine and Its Chlorinated Molecular Crystals by First-Principles Band Structure Calculations

High energy resolution energy-loss near-edge structures (ELNES) at the carbon K-edge of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and its chlorinated molecular crystals were observed using electron energy-loss spectroscopy combined with a scanning transmission electron microscope equipped with a monochromator. The ELNES spectra were investigated using first-principles band structure calculations with a core-hole introduced into the 1s orbitals of the nonequivalent C atoms. The calculated spectra including half a core-hole were consistent with the experimental spectra. The spectral features could be interpreted in terms of the different contributions of the partial density of states (PDOS) of nonequivalent C atoms with different transition energies depending on the site. The core-hole effects were also discussed using the spatial distribution of unoccupied states and PDOSs, which revealed site-dependent core-hole effects, where a C atom with a strong spatial distribution intensity of the unoccupied states in the ground state (GS) are susceptible to the core-hole effects. The spectral changes due to chlorination of the CuPc molecule were mainly attributed to an increase of the threshold energy of the C atoms bonded to chlorine, and the influence of the change in the PDOS by chlorination was not significantly large.

Design and application of a relativistic Kramers-Kronig analysis algorithm

Low-loss electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) in the scanning transmission electron microscope probes the valence electron density and relevant optoelectronic properties such as band gap energies and other band structure transitions. The measured spectra can be formulated in a dielectric theory framework, comparable to optical spectroscopies and ab-initio simulations. Moreover, Kramers-Kronig analysis (KKA), an inverse algorithm based on the same name relations, can be employed for the retrieval of the complex dielectric function. However, spurious contributions traditionally not considered in this framework typically impact low-loss EELS modifying the spectral shapes and precluding the correct measurement and retrieval of the dielectric information. A relativistic KKA algorithm is able to account for the bulk and surface radiative-loss contributions to low-loss EELS, revealing the correct dielectric properties. Using a synthetic low-loss EELS model, we propose some modifications on the naive implementation of this algorithm that broadens its range of application. The robustness of the algorithm is improved by regularization, applying previous knowledge about the shape and smoothness of the correction term. Additionally, our efficient numerical integration methodology allows processing hyperspectral datasets in a reasonable amount of time. Harnessing these abilities, we show how simultaneous relativistic KKA processing of several spectra can share information to produce an improved result.

Nonresonant valence-to-core x-ray emission spectroscopy of niobium

The valence-to-core (V2C) portion of x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) measures the electron states close to the Fermi level. These states are involved in bonding, thus providing a measure of the chemistry of the material. In this article, we show the V2C XES spectra for several niobium compounds. The Kβ″ peak in the V2C XES results from the transition of a ligand 2s electron into the 1s core-hole of the niobium, a transition allowed by hybridization with the niobium 4p. This location in energy of this weak peak shows a strong ligand dependence, thus providing a sensitive probe of the ligand environment about the niobium.

Identification of dopant site and its effect on electrochemical activity in Mn-doped lithium titanate

Doped metal oxide materials are commonly used for applications in energy storage and conversion, such as batteries and solid oxide fuel cells. The knowledge of the electronic properties of dopants and their local environment is essential for understanding the effects of doping on the electrochemical properties. Using a combination of X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) experiment and theoretical modeling we demonstrate that in the dilute (1 at. %) Mn-doped lithium titanate (Li4/3Ti5/3O4, or LTO) the dopant Mn2+ ions reside on tetrahedral (8a) sites. First-principles Mn K-edge XANES calculations revealed the spectral signature of the tetrahedrally coordinated Mn as a sharp peak in the middle of the absorption edge rise, caused by the 1s → 4p transition, and it is important to include the effective electron-core hole Coulomb interaction in order to calculate the intenisty of this peak accurately. This dopant location explains the impedance of Li migration through the LTO lattice during the charge-discharge process, and, as a result - the observed remarkable 20% decrease in electrochemical rate performance of the 1% Mn-doped LTO compared to the pristine LTO.

Basics and applications of ELNES calculations

The electron energy loss near edge structures (ELNES) appearing in an electron energy loss spectrum obtained through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have the potential to unravel atomic and electronic structures with sub-nano meter resolution. For this reason, TEM-ELNES has become one of the most powerful analytical methods in materials research. On the other hand, theoretical calculations are indispensable in interpreting the ELNES spectrum. Here, the basics and applications of one-particle, two-particle and multi-particle ELNES calculations are reviewed. A key point for the ELNES calculation is the proper introduction of the core-hole effect. Some applications of one-particle ELNES calculations to huge systems of more than 1000 atoms, and complex systems, such as liquids, are reported. In the two-particle calculations, the importance of the correct treatment of the excitonic interaction is demonstrated in calculating the low-energy ELNES, for example at the Li-K edge. In addition, an unusually strong excitonic interactions in the O-K edge of perovskite oxides is identified. The multi-particle calculations are necessary to reproduce the multiplet structures appearing at the transition metal L2,3-edges and rare-earth M4,5-edges. Applications to dilute magnetic semiconductors and Li-ion battery materials are presented. Furthermore, beyond the 'conventional' ELNES calculations, theoretical calculations of electron/X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and the vibrational information in ELNES, are reported.

A hybrid method using the widely-used WIEN2k and VASP codes to calculate the complete set of XAS/EELS edges in a hundred-atoms system

An example of Si/Li_xSi/Li interface for which XAS and EELS edges can be efficiently calculated using our hybrid method.

Effect of the van der Waals interaction on the electron energy-loss near edge structure theoretical calculation

The effect of the van der Waals (vdW) interaction on the simulation of the electron energy-loss near edge structure (ELNES) by a first-principles band-structure calculation is reported. The effect of the vdW interaction is considered by the Tkatchenko-Scheffler scheme, and the change of the spectrum profile and the energy shift are discussed. We perform calculations on systems in the solid, liquid and gaseous states. The transition energy shifts to lower energy by approximately 0.1eV in the condensed (solid and liquid) systems by introducing the vdW effect into the calculation, whereas the energy shift in the gaseous models is negligible owing to the long intermolecular distance. We reveal that the vdW interaction exhibits a larger effect on the excited state than the ground state owing to the presence of an excited electron in the unoccupied band. Moreover, the vdW effect is found to depend on the local electron density and the molecular coordination. In addition, this study suggests that the detection of the vdW interactions exhibited within materials is possible by a very stable and high resolution observation.

Monte Carlo Simulations of Electron Energy-Loss Spectra with the Addition of Fine Structure from Density Functional Theory Calculations

A new approach is presented to introduce the fine structure of core-loss excitations into the electron energy-loss spectra of ionization edges by Monte Carlo simulations based on an optical oscillator model. The optical oscillator strength is refined using the calculated electron energy-loss near-edge structure by density functional theory calculations. This approach can predict the effects of multiple scattering and thickness on the fine structure of ionization edges. In addition, effects of the fitting range for background removal and the integration range under the ionization edge on signal-to-noise ratio are investigated.

New constraints for low-momentum electronic excitations in condensed matter: fundamental consequences from classical and quantum dielectric theory

We present new constraints for the transportation behaviour of low-momentum electronic excitations in condensed matter systems, and demonstrate that these have both a fundamental physical interpretation and a significant impact on the description of low-energy inelastic electron scattering. The dispersion behaviour and characteristic lifetime properties of plasmon and single-electron excitations are investigated using popular classical, semi-classical and quantum dielectric models. We find that, irrespective of constrained agreement to the well known high-momentum and high-energy Bethe ridge limit, standard descriptions of low-momentum electron excitations are inconsistent and unphysical. These observations have direct impact on calculations of transport properties such as inelastic mean free paths, stopping powers and escape depths of charged particles in condensed matter systems.

Structure and local chemical properties of boron-terminated tetravacancies in hexagonal boron nitride

Imaging and spectroscopy performed in a low-voltage scanning transmission electron microscope are used to characterize the structure and chemical properties of boron-terminated tetravacancies in hexagonal boron nitride. We confirm earlier theoretical predictions about the structure of these defects and identify new features in the electron energy-loss spectra of B atoms using high resolution chemical maps, highlighting differences between these areas and pristine sample regions. We correlate our experimental data with calculations which help explain our observations.

Stability and spectroscopy of single nitrogen dopants in graphene at elevated temperatures

Single nitrogen (N) dopants in graphene are investigated using atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Using an in situ heating holder at 500 °C provided us with clean graphene surfaces, and we demonstrate that isolated N substitutional atoms remain localized and stable in the graphene lattice even during local sp(2) bond reconstruction. The high stability of isolated N dopants enabled us to acquire 2D EELS maps with simultaneous ADF-STEM images to map out the local bonding variations. We show that a substitutional N dopant causes changes in the EELS of the carbon (C) atoms it is directly bonded to. An upshift in the π* peak of the C K-edge EELS of ∼0.5 eV is resolved and supported by density functional theory simulations.

Single molecular spectroscopy: identification of individual fullerene molecules

We report the molecule-by-molecule spectroscopy of individual fullerenes by means of electron spectroscopy based on scanning transmission electron microscopy. Electron energy-loss fine structure analysis of carbon 1s absorption spectra is used to discriminate carbon allotropes with known symmetries. C(60) and C(70) molecules randomly stored inside carbon nanotubes are successfully identified at a single-molecular basis. We show that a single molecule impurity is detectable, allowing the recognition of an unexpected contaminant molecule with a different symmetry. Molecules inside carbon nanotubes thus preserve their intact molecular symmetry. In contrast, molecules anchored at or sandwiched between atomic BN layers show spectral modifications possibly due to a largely degraded structural symmetry. Moreover, by comparing the spectrum from a single C(60) molecule and its molecular crystal, we find hints of the influence of solid-state effects on its electronic structure.

Simulation of probe position-dependent electron energy-loss fine structure

We present a theoretical framework for calculating probe-position-dependent electron energy-loss near-edge structure for the scanning transmission electron microscope by combining density functional theory with dynamical scattering theory. We show how simpler approaches to calculating near-edge structure fail to include the fundamental physics needed to understand the evolution of near-edge structure as a function of probe position and investigate the dependence of near-edge structure on probe size. It is within this framework that density functional theory should be presented, in order to ensure that variations of near-edge structure are truly due to local electronic structure and how much from the diffraction and focusing of the electron beam.

Oxygen K-edge electron energy loss spectra of hydrous and anhydrous compounds

First-principles calculations have been employed to examine the possible use of electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) as a tool for determining the presence of OH groups and hence hydrogen content in compounds. Our density functional theory (DFT) based calculations describe accurately the experimental EELS results for forsterite (Mg2SiO4), hambergite (Be2BO3(OH)), brucite (Mg(OH)2) and diaspore (α-AlOOH). DFT calculations were complemented by an experimental time resolved study of the oxygen K-edge in diaspore. The results show unambiguously that there is no connection between a pre-edge feature in the oxygen K-edge spectrum of diaspore and the presence of OH groups in the structure. Instead, the experimental study shows that the pre-edge feature in diaspore is transient. It can be explained by the presence of molecular O2, which is produced as a result of the electron irradiation.

Simulation of spatially resolved electron energy loss near-edge structure for scanning transmission electron microscopy

Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy yields probe-position-dependent energy-loss near-edge structure (ELNES) measurements, potentially providing spatial mapping of the underlying electronic states. ELNES calculations, however, typically describe excitations by a plane wave traveling in vacuum, neglecting the interaction of the electron probe with the local electronic environment as it propagates through the specimen. Here, we report a methodology that combines a full electronic-structure calculation with propagation of a focused beam in a thin film. The results demonstrate that only a detailed calculation using this approach can provide quantitative agreement with observed variations in probe-position-dependent ELNES.

Investigating the electronic structure of fluorite-structured oxide compounds: comparison of experimental EELS with first principles calculations

Energy loss spectra from fluorite-structured ZrO(2), CeO(2), and UO(2) compounds are compared with theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) and its extensions, including the use of Hubbard-U corrections (DFT + U) and hybrid functionals. Electron energy loss spectra (EELS) were obtained from each oxide using a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The same spectra were computed within the framework of the full-potential linear augmented plane-wave (FLAPW) method. The theoretical and experimental EEL spectra are compared quantitatively using non-linear least squares peak fitting and a cross-correlation approach, with the best level of agreement between experiment and theory being obtained using the DFT + U and hybrid computational approaches.

Chemical-state analysis of organic semiconductors using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy combined with first-principles calculation

The chemical states of organic semiconductors were investigated by total-electron-yield soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (TEY-XAS) and first-principles calculations. The organic semiconductors, pentacene (C(22)H(14)) and pentacenequinone (C(22)H(12)O(2)), were subjected to TEY-XAS and the experimental spectra obtained were compared with the 1s core-level excited spectra of C and O atoms, calculated by a first-principles planewave pseudopotential method. Excellent agreement between the measured and the calculated spectra were obtained for both materials. Using this methodology, we examined the chemical states of the aged pentacene, and confirmed that both C-OH and C═O chemical bonds are generated by exposure to air. This result implies that not only oxygen but also humidity causes pentacene oxidation.

Simulation of bonding effects in HRTEM images of light element materials

The accuracy of multislice high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) simulation can be improved by calculating the scattering potential using density functional theory (DFT) [1-2]. This approach accounts for the fact that electrons in the specimen are redistributed according to their local chemical environment. This influences the scattering process and alters the absolute and relative contrast in the final image. For light element materials with well defined geometry, such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride monolayers, the DFT based simulation scheme turned out to be necessary to prevent misinterpretation of weak signals, such as the identification of nitrogen substitutions in a graphene network. Furthermore, this implies that the HRTEM image does not only contain structural information (atom positions and atomic numbers). Instead, information on the electron charge distribution can be gained in addition.In order to produce meaningful results, the new input parameters need to be chosen carefully. Here we present details of the simulation process and discuss the influence of the main parameters on the final result. Furthermore we apply the simulation scheme to three model systems: A single atom boron and a single atom oxygen substitution in graphene and an oxygen adatom on graphene.

Chemical distribution and bonding of lithium in intercalated graphite: identification with optimized electron energy loss spectroscopy

Direct mapping of the lithium spatial distribution and the chemical state provides critical information on structure-correlated lithium transport in electrode materials for lithium batteries. Nevertheless, probing lithium, the lightest solid element in the periodic table, poses an extreme challenge with traditional X-ray or electron scattering techniques due to its weak scattering power and vulnerability to radiation damage. Here, we report nanoscale maps of the lithium spatial distribution in electrochemically lithiated graphite using electron energy loss spectroscopy in the transmission electron microscope under optimized experimental conditions. The electronic structure of the discharged graphite was obtained from the near-edge fine structure of the Li and C K-edges and ab initio calculations. A 2.7 eV chemical shift of the Li K-edge, along with changes in the density of states, reveals the ionic nature of the intercalated lithium with significant charge transfer to the graphene sheets. Direct mapping of lithium in graphite revealed nanoscale inhomogeneities (nonstoichiometric regions), which are correlated with local phase separation and structural disorder (i.e., lattice distortion and dislocations) as observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The surface solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer was also imaged and determined to have a thickness of 10-50 nm, covering both edge and basal planes with LiF as its primary inorganic component. The Li K-edge spectroscopy and mapping, combined with electron microscopy-based structural analysis provide a comprehensive view of the structure-correlated lithium intercalation in graphite and of the formation of the SEI layer.

Electron beam-induced oxygen desorption in gamma-LiAlO(2)

Effects of electron irradiation damage in gamma-LiAlO(2) were analysed using energy loss near edge fine structure (ELNES) of the O K-edge. Simulations of the O K-fine structure by means of a density functional theory (DFT) code show that under the electron beam gamma-LiAlO(2) undergoes the following transformation: LiAlO(2)--> LiAl(5)O(8)--> Al(2)O(3). O K-edge spectra, which were recorded during this decomposition process, contain an additional peak at 531eV. This peak can be attributed to a pi( *)-transition, which is observed for molecular oxygen O(2). This result suggests that the electron beam-induced LiAlO(2) decomposition occurs through the loss of O(2).

Density functional theory simulations of B K and N K NEXAFS spectra of h-BN/transition metal(111) interfaces

The electronic structure and the corresponding B K and N K near-edge x-ray fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra of epitaxially grown h-BN on Ni(111), Pt(111), and Rh(111) surfaces are investigated by density functional theory. The calculations are carried out using the WIEN2k program package applying the augmented-plane-wave+local orbitals (APW+lo) method. The NEXAFS spectra are simulated using a 3 × 3 × 1 super cell and considering the final state rule by means of a (partial) core hole for the corresponding atom. The influence of a full or partial core hole is shown for the h-BN/Ni(111) system, for which the best agreement with the experimental spectra is found when half a core hole is assumed. All characteristic features of the experimental spectra are well reproduced by theory, including the angular dependences. The bonding effects are investigated by comparing the spectra of bulk h-BN with those of the h-BN/Ni(111) system. An analysis of both the density of states and charge densities reveals strong N-p(z)-Ni-d(z(2)) bonding/antibonding interactions. In the case of Pt(111) and Rh(111) surfaces, we discuss the effects of the nanomesh structures in terms of simple 1 × 1 commensurate models.

First-principles calculation of oxygen K-electron energy loss near edge structure of HfO(2)

Oxygen K-electron energy loss near edge structures (ELNES) of monoclinic, tetragonal, and cubic HfO(2) were calculated by the first-principles full-potential augmented plane wave plus local orbitals (APW+lo) method. By considering the relativistic effect as well as the core-hole effect in the calculation, the experimental oxygen K ELNES was successfully reproduced. The first, second, third, and fourth peaks originate from oxygen p components hybridized with Hf d-e(g), d-t(2g), s, and p components, respectively. It was found that the spectral differences among the polymorphs are mainly caused by the local structure of the Hf in the crystal.

First-principles calculations of x-ray absorption near edge structure and energy loss near edge structure: present and future

Computational methods for theoretical x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) are classified into a few groups. Depending on the absorption (or excitation) edge, required accuracy and desired information, one needs to select the most suitable method. In this paper, after providing a map of available computational methods, some examples of first-principles calculations of XANES/ELNES for selected wide gap materials are given together with references. For ZnO, for example, experimental spectra at three edges, Zn K, L(3), and O K, including their orientation dependence, are well reproduced by the supercell calculations with a core hole. Good agreement between theoretical and experimental spectra of ZnO alloys can also be seen. Theoretical fingerprints are satisfactorily obtained in this way. However, there are remaining issues beyond 'good agreements' which need to be solved in the future.

Core-level spectroscopy calculation and the plane wave pseudopotential method

A plane wave based method for the calculation of core-level spectra is presented. We provide details of the implementation of the method in the pseudopotential density functional code CASTEP, including technical issues concerning the calculations, and discuss the applicability and accuracy of the method. A number of examples are provided for comparing the results to both experiment and other density functional theory techniques.

First-principles calculation of spectral features, chemical shift and absolute threshold of ELNES and XANES using a plane wave pseudopotential method

Spectral features, chemical shifts, and absolute thresholds of electron energy loss near-edge structure (ELNES) and x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) for selected compounds, i.e. TiO(2) (rutile), TiO(2) (anatase), SrTiO(3), Ti(2)O(3), Al(2)O(3), AlN and β-Ga(2)O(3), were calculated by a plane wave pseudopotential method. Experimental ELNES/XANES of those compounds were well reproduced when an excited pseudopotential, which includes a core hole, was used. In addition to the spectral features, it was found that chemical shifts among different compounds were also reproduced by correcting the contribution of the excited pseudopotentials to the energy of the core orbital.

Overlap population diagram for ELNES and XANES: peak assignment and interpretation

This article reviews overlap population (OP) diagrams for electron energy loss near-edge structure (ELNES) and x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES). By using the OP diagrams, peaks in ELNES and XANES of MgO, ZnO, AlN, GaN, InN, and YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-x) are interpreted in terms of cation-anion and cation-cation interactions. Common features are found in the OP diagrams for different edges. A reconstruction of the unoccupied electronic structure is demonstrated by aligning the different edges with the common features in the OP diagrams. The OP diagram is also applied to the Cu/Al(2)O(3) hetero-interface to find the relationships among ELNES, atomic and electronic structures, and properties.

Limits to the spatial, energy and momentum resolution of electron energy-loss spectroscopy

We discuss various factors that determine the performance of electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy-filtered (EFTEM) imaging in a transmission electron microscope. Some of these factors are instrumental and have undergone substantial improvement in recent years, including the development of electron monochromators and aberration correctors. Others, such as radiation damage, delocalization of inelastic scattering and beam broadening in the specimen, derive from basic physics and are likely to remain as limitations. To aid the experimentalist, analytical expressions are given for beam broadening, delocalization length, energy broadening due to core-hole and excited-electron lifetimes, and for the momentum resolution in angle-resolved EELS.