Experimental data obtained by application of target current spectroscopy (TCS) to the Cu(100) surface are presented, and used for absolute mapping of unoccupied electronic bands, i.e., without requiring knowledge about any other bands. A simple scheme for data analysis which yet allows for accurate band mapping was used. All features observed in the experiment could be identified as due to either the bulk band structure, or to surface-barrier resonances. Good agreement with ab initio band-structure calculations was found. The potential of TCS for band mapping and for studies of excited states are discussed, emphasizing the need for appropriate calculational schemes.

• Received 3 April 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.52.8759