Correlation and band structure effects in the electronic energy loss spectra of Al: an experimental perspective Original Research Article

Inelastic X-ray scattering measurements in aluminum are analyzed using first principles dynamical density response calculations including band structure. Band structure effects are shown to be important; significant effects include shifts of spectral features to lower energies and the presence of high-energy tails, in addition to the much discussed energy gaps and zone-boundary collective states. These non-jellium characteristics must be considered in investigating exchange and correlation effects in simple metals.