Inelastic scattering of x rays by surface plasmons

A theoretical estimate is made of the scattering efficiency of x rays by surface and bulk plasmons near a flat metal surface. The density-density correlation function needed by the theory is taken from hydrodynamic theory. At grazing angles of incidence and exit, specifically beyond the critical angle, the surface and bulk-plasmon losses can be of comparable strength. An estimate of their absolute magnitude suggests that they should be experimentally detectable if high-intensity x-ray sources are used. Several model calculations are presented to illustrate the possible spectra.