Online expert system for analysis of inelastic electron scattering by metal atoms Original Research Article

The aim of this work is significant improvement of measurements and analysis efficiency of results in electron—atom collision processes. Energy loss spectrometry yield spectra with peaks corresponding to discrete energy level transitions of the atom target. Therefore, precise determination and full identification of the peaks in the spectrum are necessary for any kind of further processing (calculation of relative differential cross section for electron scattering, etc.). The spectrum obtained depends on a number of experimental parameters which can change during the measurement; its quality is of particular importance for further processing, and correct identification of the peaks enables the study of discrete energy levels in atoms. In this paper, an on-line expert system, for automation of the electron angular scattering measurement process and for making decisions about the quality of the obtained spectrum, is presented. It determines if the spectrum can be used for further processing or not, and if the analysis is possible it performs a quick and complete identification of the peaks in the spectrum, energy scale calibration, estimation of some equipment characteristics, and on that basis performs further processing of experimental results.