Experimental techniques for electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) combine high energy resolution with high spatial resolution. They are therefore powerful tools for investigating the local electronic structure of complex systems such as nanostructures, interfaces and even individual defects. Interpretation of experimental electron energy loss spectra is often challenging and can require theo...

The high voltage discharge generated by electric eels is a powerful predatory weapon. A new study shows that eels exploit basic physics to increase the voltage delivered to prey, inducing muscle fatigue that turns challenging prey items into easy targets.

Electron energy-loss near-edge fine structure (ELNES) of group-III nitrides is calculated using a pseudopotential plan wave method within the framework of density functional theory. Core-hole effect and supercell size influence are investigated. Based on our present and earlier work, a comprehensive understanding of theoretical ELNES application in materials research is demonstrated: interpreti...

The electron energy loss near edge structure on the O K-edge from chromite spinels contains fine structure from the hybridisation of the O p-orbitals and the Cr d-orbitals. Unlike the aluminates, a non-spin polarised calculation of this fine structure differs significantly from experimental observations. This is due to the large magnetic moment on the Cr. Calculations using simplified collinear...