Inelastic electron scattering cross-section spectroscopy of Ge$_x$Si$_{1-x}$ nanoheterostructures

Two-component Ge$_x$Si$_{1-x}$ (0 $\le x\le$ 1) structures are studied by electron spectroscopy. The atomic composition of the structures is determined from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data. The reflection electron-energy-loss spectra for a series of samples with different $x$ at primary-electron energies from 200 to 3000 eV are recorded. Using the experimental spectra, the electron energy loss dependences of the product of the electron inelastic mean free path and the differential inelastic electron scattering cross section are calculated. It is shown that the quantitative characteristics of these dependences can be used to determine the atomic concentrations of elements in the investigated system.