Dilution effect on the U-5f states: U in an Ag matrix

The electronic structure of U-diluted in an Ag matrix has been studied in situ by ultraviolet and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS and XPS, respectively). UxAg100−x thin films (x = 0–100 at.%) were produced by sputter co-deposition in an Ar atmosphere. UPS spectra of the Ag-4d line indicate formation of a homogeneous mixture despite the fact that U and Ag do not form stable alloys. A major goal of this work was to find out whether the dilution of U atoms in an inert matrix with no bonding states induces the localisation of the U-5f states. Both U-4f core level spectra and the U-5f spectra indicate U-5f delocalisation, down to 5 at.% of uranium in UxAg100−x films.

ELOIRDI Rachel;  GOUDER Thomas;  KORZHAVYI P.A.;  WASTIN Franck;  REBIZANT Jean; 

2013-08-16

ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA

JRC30003

0925-8388,   

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925838804007741,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC30003,   

10.1016/j.jallcom.2004.05.058,