Spin-dependent transport of low-energy electrons $(⩽500\mathrm{eV})$ through metals is studied using Monte Carlo simulations which employ collision kernels constructed from microscopic response functions and spin density of states calculated with the density functional full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method. Trajectories of electrons are simulated as sequences of stochastic elastic and inelastic scattering events including spin-dependent processes. We apply the present description to the spin-polarized electron emission induced by the interaction of an unpolarized electron beam with magnetic Fe. Good agreement with experimental data is found.

• Received 22 May 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.76.075115