Monte Carlo Electron Trajectory Calculations of Electron Interactions in Samples with Special Geometries

Implementing a Monte Carlo simulation for application to electron sample interactions requires use of accurate treatments of elastic and inelastic scattering. In formulating a Monte Carlo simulation, careful testing must be carried out to ensure that the calculation yields sensible and useful results. A suitable testing procedure includes calculation of (1) electron backscatter coefficients as a function of atomic number, including any necessary adjustment of scattering parameters; (2) backscatter coefficients as a function of specimen tilt; (3) backscatter and transmission coefficients for thin foils; (4) backscattered electron energy distributions; (5) electron spatial distributions; and (6) x-rays, including x-ray depth distributions, and relative and absolute yields. Adapting a Monte Carlo simulation to a particular problem involving special sample geometry requires careful consideration of the interaction of the electron with the target. When the electron trajectory crosses a boundary, the segments of the trajectory in each phase must be calculated in a logical, stepwise fashion, allowing for modification of the step lengths due to variable scattering power in phases of different composition. The particular example of a planar boundary between phases of different composition is considered