Dynamical calculation of electron scattering by plasmons in aluminum

Plasmon diffuse scattering (PDS) is calculated for Al(111) systematics using the multi-slice approach to dynamical electron scattering. It is found that PDS contributes strongly to Kikuchi bands, and to the decrease in the mean absorption coefficient which occurs when energy filtering is removed. Thickness fringes are found, which are similar to those for Bragg beams except at low thickness. The different behaviour in this region is explained. The effect of the (111) Kikuchi band on the variation of the path length for plasmon excitation with crystal tilt is considered in detail.