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Abstract:
Using a Green’s-function approach that incorporates band-structure effects, and a complementary k-space Monte-Carlo analysis, we show how to get a theoretically consistent determination of the inelastic mean free path λee(E) due to electron-electron interaction from ballistic electron emission spectroscopy. Exploiting experimental data taken at T=77K on a thin-Au film (<100Å) deposited on a Si substrate, we find that the energy dependence of λee(E) predicted by the standard Fermi-liquid theory provides excellent agreement between theoretical and experimental I(V) spectra. In agreement with theories for real metals, an enhancement of λee(E) by a factor of two with respect to its electron-gas value is found.
