An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
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Electrons ejected from the atoms of a material when bombarded with high energy electrons. Secondary electrons are produced when an incident electron excites an electron in the material and loses some of its energy in the process. The excited electron moves toward the surface of the sample undergoing elastic and inelastic collisions until it reaches the surface, where it can escape if it still has sufficient energy. The secondary electron yield depends on many factors, and is generally higher for high atomic number targets, and at higher angles of incidence.

→ secondary; → electron.