Spin dependence of the electron mean free path in transition metals

Spin-dependent electron mean free paths (MFPs) as a function of electron kinetic energy are calculated from the measured values of the spin polarization, P(E), for Ni and Fe. In general, the spin asymmetry in the MFP decreases in magnitude with increasing electron energy, but it is found to be peaked at some particular energy and even changes sign at higher energies. The Monte Carlo simulation of the spin polarization of secondary electrons with this spin asymmetry fits well with the experimental data