Symmetry-resolved density of states from valence band photoelectron diffraction

We suggest that valence band photoelectron diffraction can be used to decompose a solid's density of states (DOS) into components of different symmetry. This approach is illustrated by breaking down the density of states of aluminum into its s and p components. The results reveal a more s-like DOS at the bottom of the band and a more p-like DOS near the Fermi level, in qualitative agreement with calculations. A quantitative com parison does, however, show that the measured DOS contributions are narrower, i.e., more atomiclike than the calculated ones. Possible reasons are discussed.