Characteristic Electron Energy Losses in Compounds

The characteristic electron energy loss spectra of thirty-two compounds, principally halides and oxides, are reported, and an explanation is given of most of the energy losses in terms of ionization, interband transitions and longitudinal oscillations of the valence electrons. A series of energy losses in transition metal salts is associated with the transfer of an electron from an anion to a neighbouring cation d shell and, where comparison with optical data is possible, agreement is satisfactory.