Magnetic character of the empty density of states in uranium compounds from X-ray magnetic circurlar dichroism

P. Dalmas de Reotier (1) , A. Yaouanc (1)

1 Département de Recherche Fondamentale sur la Matière Condensée

We present a discussion of published x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements performed at the uranium M_4,5 edges of metallic uranium compounds, focusing on the shape of the dichroic signal at the M_5 edge. A well resolved double lobe structure, comprised of a positive and a negative peak, is sometimes observed. Out of the twelve metallic uranium compounds so far investigated by XMCD, six exhibit an intense double-lobe structure at the M_5 edge. This line shape gives information on the empty 5f magnetic density of states with angular quantum number j=7/2. Conclusions about the difference between these two families of compounds are given regarding the splitting of the j=7/2 band and the occupation among the different m_7/2 sublevels.

Domaines: Autre [cond-mat.other]

P. Dalmas de Reotier, A. Yaouanc. Magnetic character of the empty density of states in uranium compounds from X-ray magnetic circurlar dichroism. Physica B: Condensed Matter, 2002, 318, pp.272-276. ⟨hal-00122652⟩