Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Mean free path of inelastic electron scattering λ has been measured with a 2000.3em0exkeV transmission electron microscope for the majority of stable elemental solids and their oxides. An oscillating behavior vs atomic number Z has been revealed, such that within one row of the Periodic Table, the minimum (maximum) of λ is observed for elements with completed (empty) outer d shells. A significantly weaker λ(Z) dependence is observed for the oxides. The λ(Z) variation is ascribed to the three major factors: atomic density, number of ``free'' electrons per atom, and contribution of atomic core-loss transitions.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Iakoubovskii et al. (2008) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: