On the self-energy of electrons in metals

The electron self-energy of unoccupied states is investigated taking into account dynamical screening and nonlocal exchange. To obtain agreement with experiment it is crucial to go beyond the framework of the homogeneous electron gas and include the nonlocal exchange with electrons in valence and core shells. This contribution of atomic origin gives rise to a considerable, almost linear energy dependence of the self-energy over a wide energy range in agreement with experimental findings for many substances and in disagreement with the local density approximation. Quantitative results are presented for Ag.