Anomalous saturation of mixed valence in cerium-based systems as studied by x-ray absorption

• Published in: Physical review. B, Condensed matter Condensed matter, 1983-01, Vol.28 (6), p.3556-3558
• Main Authors: PARKS, R. D, RAAEN, S, DENBOER, M. L, MURGAI, V, MIHALISIN, T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Metals, semimetals and alloys; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Physics; Specific materials
• ISSN: 0163-1829; 1095-3795
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.28.3556

The mixed valence of Ce-based metallic systems, as determined, e.g. by X-ray-absorption experiments, never rises above 3.2-3.3. The L sub III absorption-edge studies reported show that this saturation effect occurs abruptly as a function of lattice constant (or composition) in the pseudobinary system Ce(Pd sub 1x Rh sub x ) sub 3 , in which it is possible to vary both continuously and rapidly the electronic properties. The saturation anomaly (at the valence 3.21) occurs at x approx = 0.2, the composition where anomalous saturation effects have been previously observed in the magnetic susceptibility, electronic specific heat and electrical resistivity. The values of the latter quantities at x approx = 0.2 suggest a valency of approx 4, when interpreted within the promotional model. 11 ref.--AA