Electron distributions at bulk nickel-solid interfaces examined by electron induced X-ray emission spectroscopy

Abstract The nickel 3d electron distribution at nickel-normal metal and nickel-insulator interfaces is reported. The data are obtained from electron induced X-ray emission spectroscopy (EXES) by choosing the kinetic energy of the incident electron beam such that the fastest electrons reaching the interface have just the required spectral excitation energy. The two types of interface lead to noticeable differences in the spectra providing information on the interaction of the Ni 3d states with a continuum of states or separated valence-conduction bands and on the nature of the interface.