Intrinsic accuracy in 3-dimensional photoemission band mapping

Abstract

Fundamental principles of mapping 3-dimensional quasiparticle dispersions in the valence band using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy are discussed. Such mapping is intrinsically limited in accuracy owing to damping of the final states, resulting in equivalent broadening in the surface-perpendicular wavevector. Mechanisms of the intrinsic accuracy are discussed in depth based on a physically transparent picture involving interplay of the final- and initial-state spectral functions, and illustrated by photoemission simulations and experimental examples. Other interesting effects of 3-dimensional dispersions include 'ghost' peaks in the unoccupied valence band region and finite peak width at the Fermi level. Finally, optimization of the experiment on the intrinsic accuracy is discussed.