Kinetic equation, optical potential, tensor theory and structure factor refinement in high-energy electron diffraction

In summary, in this chapter we have presented methods of different complexity and therefore validity for describing the process of elastic and inelastic scattering of high-energy electrons in a solid. For the general description of the multiple scattering events of both the elastically and inelastically scattered electrons, the kinetic equation should be used. When considering only the elastically scattered electrons, the general kinetic equation reduces to a one-body Schrodinger equation with the interaction potential being regarded as an effective optical potential. For accurate structure factor refinement or the measurement of the bonding effect in a crystal the tensor theory may be used and its accuracy may be improved by the method of iteration.