Electron energy-loss spectroscopy study of MgH2 in the plasmon energy range

Electron energy loss spectroscopy of MgH2 in the plasmon energy range is reported here as a part of a study to determine the dielectric function of this hydride. From the dielectric function, we have estimated the unperturbed plasmon energy of MgH2 as 11.34 eV. Interband transitions are also inferred from the dielectric function. Contribution of these interband transitions to the perturbed plasmon energy has been discussed within the scope of dielectric theory. Our analysis suggests that the MgH2 band gap lies within the range ∼4.3–4.5 eV.