High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy
High-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HR-EELS) is an analytical method to investigate the vibrational properties of surfaces and adsorbates under UHV conditions.
The underlying principle is based on the inelastic scattering of a primary electron beam at the sample surface. The inelastically scattered electrons lose a certain amount of energy, which is detected by an electron energy analyzer. This energy loss corresponds to the energy needed for the vibrational excitation of the surface or adsorbates on the surface, respectively. Based on the resulting spectra, the chemical binding energy, the adsorption geometry and the molecular orientation of adsorbates can be determined.
Further Information:
H. Ibach: „Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces“, Springer, 2006, S. 347 ff.